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Sniggered Meaning: Definition and Examples

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sniggered

[หˆsnษชษกษ™rd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

laughing quietly

To snigger means to laugh quietly or in a disrespectful manner, often because you find something amusing. The term is often associated with a sense of sneaky or suppressed laughter, particularly when it occurs at someone else's expense. Sniggering can indicate mockery or derision, but it can also imply amusement at a secret joke. This word is typically used in informal settings and can convey a levels of contempt or undesired mirth.

Synonyms

chuckle, giggle, snicker.

Examples of usage

  • The students sniggered at the teacher's mistake.
  • She sniggered when she overheard the gossip.
  • He couldn't help but snigger at the joke.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • The term has been used in several classic novels to depict characters who find humor in the misfortune of others.
  • Authors like Charles Dickens employed the word to paint a vivid image of social mockery.
  • In contemporary literature, it reflects the nuances of humor in social interactions, revealing character dynamics.

Psychology

  • Sniggering can signal social bonding; however, it may also indicate exclusion or dominance in group settings.
  • Research on humor suggests that sniggering often accompanies feelings of superiority over others.
  • The act of sniggering may stem from complex emotions, including joy, pity, or even aggression.

Pop Culture

  • The term has appeared in various films and TV shows, often to showcase a sneaky or mischievous character.
  • In some sitcoms, sniggering punctuates moments of wit, illustrating the fine line between humor and meanness.
  • Musicians have used the word in lyrics to convey playful yet critical observations of society.

Social Dynamics

  • In social gatherings, sniggering might reflect shared inside jokes, creating a sense of belonging.
  • However, it can also create tension if done at someone else's expense, leading to feelings of exclusion.
  • Observing sniggering in a group can reveal much about relationships and hierarchies within that group.

Origin of 'sniggered'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the blend of 'sneer' and 'snicker', showing a connection to contemptuous laughter.
  • The word emerged in English around the late 19th century, often depicting a mocking tone.
  • Related words, like 'snicker', suggest a light, suppressed laugh meant for amusement.

The word 'snigger' originates from the late 18th century, likely derived from the dialectical form of 'snicker', which means to laugh in a suppressed or half-stifled way. The dictionary traces its roots back to Middle English 'snickeren', which suggests similar meanings of sneaky laughter. The development of the term reflects changes in usage, as it evolved from merely signifying a light laugh to encompassing a sense of mockery or derisive amusement. The adaptation of the word in common English usage highlights a social aspect of laughter, where it can express not just joy, but also scorn or ridicule. As language evolved, so too did the nuances of 'snigger', solidifying its place in the lexicon of informal communication.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,653, 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.