snicker

[snik-er]

verb (used without object)

1. to laugh in a half-suppressed, indecorous or disrespectful manner.

verb (used with object)

1. to utter with a snicker.

noun

1. a snickering laugh.

snicker

/ ˈsnɪkə /

noun

1. a sly or disrespectful laugh, esp one partly stifled

verb

1. Equivalent term (in Britain and certain other countries): snigger. to utter such a laugh

2. (of a horse) to whinny

Other Word Forms

• snickeringly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of snicker¹

First recorded in 1685–95; of expressive origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of snicker¹

C17: probably of imitative origin

Example Sentences

I can also explain why, despite the snickers and stares and perpetually blooming bruises, it’s still worth it.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

These viral moments demonstrate that Americans can and should “snicker in the face of official wrong,” choosing laughter over tears as a response to authoritarianism.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

While the mockery and memes may feel good as snickering payback and certainly stoke the Democratic base — boosting Newsom’s presidential hopes — Mahan suggested they are ultimately counterproductive.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There now seems to be a bit of snickering immaturity in the film’s garish period trappings, though the emotional acuity and empathetic consideration of even the most minor of characters still makes “Boogie Nights” remarkable.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And while members of the GOP applauded Booker’s tenacity, they also secretly snickered that “he’ll be as successful as Thurmond was holding back civil rights.”

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• chortle 
• chuckle 
• giggle 
• laugh 
• smirk 
• sneer