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Sniggering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sniggering

[หˆsnษชษกษ™rษชล‹ ]

Definition

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

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Laughter can serve social functions; sniggering often indicates a group dynamic where one person is laughing at another, reinforcing group identity at the other's expense.
  • Researchers suggest that such laughter can be linked to feelings of superiority, allowing the laugher to bond with others while isolating the target of the laugh.

Literature

  • In literature, characters who are described as sniggering often highlight a sense of villainy or mischief, as this form of laughter can indicate secretive behavior.
  • Classic works frequently utilize sniggering to portray social dynamics or the folly of characters, emphasizing irony or hidden truths.

Pop Culture

  • Sniggering is often depicted in cartoons where characters laugh quietly when concocting mischievous plans, highlighting their sneaky nature.
  • Comedy films frequently employ sniggering as a device to illustrate charactersโ€™ inner thoughts, providing humor that is shared with the audience but not with other characters.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures interpret sniggering in various ways; in some societies, it can be seen as rude or disrespectful.
  • In contrast, certain group settings may encourage sniggering as part of bonding, particularly among friends, reinforcing ingroup solidarity.

Origin of 'sniggering'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the late 19th century, with influences likely from the Scottish word 'snicker' and the idea of a sly or sneaky laugh.
  • The term reflects a combination of 'snigger' and 'snicker', both indicating a form of laughter that is playful or mocking.

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.