Snigger: meaning, definitions and examples

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snigger

[ˈsnɪɡər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

informal

Snigger means to laugh in a half-suppressed, typically scornful way. It is often associated with derision or mockery.

Synonyms

mock, sneer, snicker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
snigger	This word is used when someone is laughing quietly, often in a rude or disrespectful way. It has a negative connotation. They sniggered at his awkward attempt to dance. The children sniggered behind their hands as the teacher tripped.
sneer	This word is used when someone is showing contempt by smiling or speaking in a way that indicates they think they are better than others. It has a negative connotation. She sneered at his proposal, thinking it ridiculous. He gave a sneer of disdain during the debate.
snicker	This word is used when someone is laughing quietly, often in a way that implies a hidden agenda or secret delight. It has a slightly negative connotation. The teenagers snickered at the inside joke. He couldn't help but snicker at the small mistake.
mock	This word is used when someone is making fun of another person in a cruel or hurtful way, often by imitating them. It has a negative connotation. He mocked his friend's accent, much to everyone's discomfort. The group mocked her for her unique fashion sense.

Examples of usage

He couldn't help but snigger at her clumsy attempt.
The group of bullies would snigger whenever they saw him walking by.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

Snigger can also be used as a noun to refer to a half-suppressed, scornful laugh.

Synonyms

chuckle, giggle, snicker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
snigger	Typical in British English, this word often implies a covert or disrespectful laughter. It can have a somewhat negative connotation, suggesting that the person is mocking or ridiculing someone. He tried to give a serious speech, but some people in the back couldn't help but snigger They sniggered at his outdated fashion sense
snicker	Similar to 'snigger' but more prevalent in American English. It implies a stifled, often disrespectful laugh, usually at someone else's expense. The students snickered when the teacher made a mistake She tried to hold back a snicker as the cat failed its jump
giggle	Used to convey a light, silly, and often high-pitched laughter, commonly associated with children or expressions of nervousness or excitement. The children started to giggle during the clown's performance She giggled nervously when asked an unexpected question
chuckle	Used to describe a quiet or gentle laughter, often in response to something amusing but not overly hilarious. It's commonly used in a neutral or positive context. She chuckled at the funny story He let out a chuckle when he saw the playful puppy

Examples of usage

Her snigger echoed through the room, causing everyone to turn and stare.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term originated in the late 19th century, combining the sounds found in similar behaviors of sneaky laughter.
Initially, it had a slightly different spelling as 'snig' in some dialects, relating to quiet or suppressed laughter.
The word has roots connected to older English terms that imply a teasing or mocking tone.

Cultural Significance

In British culture, sniggering often carries a connotation of mischievousness or mockery, typically aimed at someone else.
The act is frequently depicted in literature and film, where characters snigger to illustrate their delight in another’s discomfort.
Growing awareness of bullying has led to discussions about the implications of sniggering and laughter at others’ expense.

Psychology

Sniggering can be a social signal indicating complicity or shared amusement in a group setting.
This behavior may sometimes be used to assert dominance or superiority over others in social hierarchies.
Suppressing laughter can also be a way for individuals to maintain social norms and avoid offending someone openly.

Literature

The word appears in many works of literature, often to depict characters as laughing at someone else's blunders without empathy.
Classic novels sometimes utilize sniggering as a device to emphasize the cruelty in human interactions.
In poetry, snigger serves to convey subtle emotions and underlying tensions among characters, adding depth to the narrative.

Pop Culture

Television shows often use character sniggers to highlight a humorous or ironic twist in the storyline.
The sound of sniggering is frequently associated with villainous characters in film and literature, marking their delight in wrongdoing.
Memes and online content often play with the concept of sniggering, showcasing reactions to absurd or ironic situations.

Translations

Translations of the word "snigger" in other languages:

🇵🇹 risadinha

🇮🇳 दबी हुई हंसी

🇩🇪 kichern

🇮🇩 tertawa kecil

🇺🇦 хихотіння

🇵🇱 chichot

🇯🇵 くすくす笑う

🇫🇷 ricaner

🇪🇸 risita

🇹🇷 kıs kıs gülmek

🇰🇷 낄낄거리다

🇸🇦 ضحكة مكبوتة

🇨🇿 chichotání

🇸🇰 chichot

🇨🇳 窃笑

🇸🇮 hihitanje

🇮🇸 fliss

🇰🇿 күлу

🇬🇪 ხმამაღალი ხარხარი

🇦🇿 xırıltılı gülüş

🇲🇽 risita

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,051, 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.

...
37048 parlayed
37049 instructively
37050 trenchantly
37051 snigger
37052 counterfeiter
37053 dehumanize
37054 selvedge
...