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Snickering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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snickering

[หˆsnษชkษ™ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

laughing quietly

Snickering refers to the act of laughing in a quiet, suppressed, or half-suppressed manner. This kind of laughter often conveys a sense of mockery or amusement at someone else's expense. It can be associated with inappropriate situations or as a response to something humorous that one is trying to hide. Snickering is typically characterized by short, sharp bursts of laughter, making it distinct from more boisterous forms of laughter.

Synonyms

chuckle, giggle, scoff, snicker.

Examples of usage

  • The students were snickering during the teacher's lecture.
  • She couldn't help snickering at the joke he made.
  • The audience began snickering when the performer tripped.
  • He was snickering quietly at the ridiculous outfit she wore.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In many comedic films and TV shows, snickering characters often indicate shared secrets or inside jokes.
  • The character Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series often snickers to show he thinks heโ€™s better than others.

Psychology

  • Snickering can indicate social bonding, where groups share a laugh about a common experience.
  • It can also serve as a defense mechanism, where people laugh off uncomfortable situations to reduce tension.

Social Dynamics

  • Snickering can sometimes be seen as rude or mocking, particularly if aimed at someone else's expense.
  • In group settings, snickers can create a sense of belonging among those laughing while excluding others who may not be in the know.

Literature

  • Classic novels often use snickering as a cue for character interactions, defining social strata and relationships.
  • Charles Dickens frequently depicted snickering as a sign of class disparity among his characters.

Origin of 'snickering'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'snicker' comes from the mid-18th century and is believed to be derived from the sound of laughter.
  • Similar words in Old English denote laughter, such as 'sneer' which has an air of mockery.

The term 'snicker' originated in the early 19th century, possibly derived from the archaic word 'sneer,' which means to smile in a scornful or mocking way. The phonetic adaptation into 'snicker' introduced the softer 'i' vowel sound, distinguishing it from its precursor. Initially used to describe a quiet, suppressed laugh, 'snicker' soon became associated with laughter that carries a sense of derision or scorn. The first recorded use of 'snicker' dates back to the 1830s in literary works. Over time, it has been accepted into everyday language, especially among younger generations, reflecting its usage in playful or teasing contexts. The word conveys not just the act of laughter but also the subtle nuances of human interaction where laughter is often paired with feelings of superiority or amusement at others.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,402, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.