Snicker - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A snicker is a quiet, often sly or mocking laugh, usually expressing amusement, scorn, or disbelief. It can also refer to the sound made when laughing in this way.
Definition:
To laugh quietly or disrespectfully, often at someone else's expense.
Synonyms:
giggle, chuckle, titter
Part of Speech:
verb, noun
Antonyms:
sob, cry
Common Collocations:
snicker quietly, snicker behind someone's back, stifle a snicker
Derivatives:
snickering, snickered
Usage Tips:
Use "snicker" to describe a quiet, often mocking laugh; avoid confusion with louder laughter like "guffaw."
Common Phrases:
snicker behind one's hand, a snicker of derision
Etymology:
Originated from Middle Dutch "snicken," meaning to gasp or sob; later evolved to mean a suppressed laugh.
Examples:
- 1. She tried not to snicker during the serious meeting.
- 2. The kids would snicker whenever the teacher mispronounced a word.
- 3. He gave a quiet snicker at his friend's joke.
- 4. A few audience members began to snicker at the awkward performance.