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Sniggered: meaning, definitions and examples

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sniggered

 

[ หˆsnษชษกษ™rd ]

Verb
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.

Etymology

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.