Nicker - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Nicker refers to the soft, low sound made by a horse, often expressing contentment or greeting. It can also mean British slang for one pound sterling.
Definition:
To laugh quietly or mockingly, often in a suppressed manner.
Synonyms:
giggle, snicker, chuckle, titter
Part of Speech:
verb, noun
Antonyms:
sob, cry
Common Collocations:
quiet nicker, suppressed nicker, began to nicker
Derivatives:
nickering, nickered
Usage Tips:
Use "nicker" to describe a soft laugh, often implying amusement or derision; avoid for loud laughter.
Common Phrases:
give a nicker, break into a nicker, stifle a nicker
Etymology:
Originated in the early 19th century, imitative of the sound of a quiet laugh or horse's neigh.
Examples:
- 1. She gave a quiet nicker at his joke.
- 2. The children began to nicker behind the teacher's back.
- 3. He tried to stifle his nicker during the serious meeting.
- 4. Her playful nicker lightened the mood in the room.