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Sniggering: meaning, definitions and examples

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sniggering

 

[ ˈsnɪɡərɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

secretive laughter

To snigger means to laugh quietly or to yourself, often in a way that is somewhat disrespectful or derisive. This type of laughter implies a sense of mockery or scorn directed toward someone or something. It is typically used in situations where the laughter is inappropriate or is intended to be secretive. The act of sniggering can indicate feelings of superiority or enjoyment at someone else's expense.

Synonyms

chuckle, giggle, sneer, snicker.

Examples of usage

  • The children were sniggering behind the teacher's back.
  • She couldn't help sniggering when she heard the joke.
  • They sniggered at the embarrassing moment caught on camera.
  • His friends were sniggering during the serious presentation.

Translations

Translations of the word "sniggering" in other languages:

🇵🇹 risadinha

🇮🇳 खुश होकर हंसना

🇩🇪 sniggern

🇮🇩 tertawa sinis

🇺🇦 сміятися насмішливо

🇵🇱 chichotać

🇯🇵 くすくす笑う

🇫🇷 rire sous cape

🇪🇸 reírse entre dientes

🇹🇷 sinsice gülmek

🇰🇷 낄낄 웃다

🇸🇦 يضحك بسخرية

🇨🇿 šklebí se

🇸🇰 kšeftovať

🇨🇳 窃笑

🇸🇮 smeh v tišini

🇮🇸 hlæja að sér

🇰🇿 салқын күлу

🇬🇪 ხარხარი

🇦🇿 sırıtmaq

🇲🇽 reírse entre dientes

Etymology

The term 'snigger' originated in the early 18th century, deriving from the word 'snicker'. It is believed to have roots in the Middle English word 'sniker', which encompassed similar meanings associated with quiet laughter or sneering. As society evolved, the term found its way into popular vernacular, often used to describe a form of laughter that carries connotations of malice or contempt. The prefix 'sn-' aligns with other similar English words that denote subtle, often sneaky, undertones of behavior. Over time, 'snigger' became more associated with derisive laughter, reflecting social attitudes and norms regarding humor and mockery.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,332, 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.