Snickered - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

quiet laughter

To snicker means to laugh quietly or to let out a suppressed laugh, often in a way that suggests amusement at someone else's misfortune or flaws. It's a form of laughter that is not openly expressive but rather subdued. Snickering can be associated with mocking or derisive behavior, as it implies a lack of full respect for the subject of the laughter. The term is often used in the context of teasing or making fun of someone in a light-hearted yet sneaky way.

Synonyms

giggle, sneer, snigger, titter.

Examples of usage

The students snickered at the teacher's mistake.
She couldn't help but snicker when her friend tripped.
They snickered quietly during the serious meeting.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Authors like Mark Twain and Charles Dickens use snickering to depict characters with a mocking or derisive attitude.
In many stories, snickering often signals a character’s mischievous intentions or hidden humor.

Psychology

Quiet laughter like snickering can indicate social dynamics where one person feels superior over another.
Research shows that people often snicker in groups to bond, as laughter can create a sense of unity, even at someone else's expense.

Pop Culture

In films and TV shows, characters often snicker to show disapproval or amusement at others' mistakes, enhancing drama or humor.
Comedians frequently use snickering to indicate light-hearted mockery or playful teasing, making it a comedic tool.

Social Settings

In school environments, snickering can lead to bullying, as it often accompanies taunts or jokes at someone's expense.
Understanding the context of snickering is important, as it can be playful in some situations and hurtful in others.

Origin of 'snickered'

Main points about word origin

The word 'snickered' comes from the late 19th century, evolving from 'snicker,' which means to laugh quietly.
It can be traced back to the earlier word 'snick,' which means to make a quick, sneaky sound.

The word 'snicker' has its roots in the Middle English term 'snickeren', which means to snigger or to laugh quietly. This term is believed to have derived from a combination of the Old Dutch word 'snicken', meaning to sneer or to snort, and possibly the Middle Low German 'snickern'. The evolution of the word reflects a change in usage from a simple act of laughing to a more nuanced expression that often conveys a sense of mockery or ridicule. 'Snickered', the past tense of snicker, began to be commonly used in the 19th century and has been popular in American English ever since. The usage of 'snicker' has been widely adopted in literature and everyday conversation, primarily to describe laughter that is not just humorous, but also carries a hint of derision.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,499, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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28496 nauseated
28497 turbojet
28498 incarnated
28499 snickered
28500 physicality
28501 gibbet
28502 radioed
...

Snickered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations