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 hear a snort and a snicker behind me.

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The twins snickered, but their mother silenced them with a hiss.

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

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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.

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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.

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Related Words

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