snicker
MediumInformal
Definition
Meaning
to laugh in a suppressed, partly scornful, or sly manner; a stifled laugh with derisive undertones.
Can also refer to the sound of a stifled laugh or a sly, knowing reaction, often implying shared amusement at someone else's expense.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A 'snicker' is typically a short, half-stifled, audible laugh that suggests ridicule, mockery, or amusement at something considered embarrassing or inappropriate. It often conveys a sense of slyness or shared secret amusement. It is more specific than a generic 'laugh'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb and noun forms are used in both varieties, but 'snigger' is the more common equivalent in British English, especially in formal contexts. 'Snicker' is the dominant form in American English.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of suppressed, often mocking laughter. There is no significant difference in connotation between the regions for the word itself.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English. British English speakers are more likely to use 'snigger', though 'snicker' is understood.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] snickers[Subject] snickers at [Object][Subject] snickers [Direct Speech]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A snicker in the dark (implies hidden, perhaps cruel, amusement)”
- “Not a snicker was heard (emphasizing complete silence or seriousness)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; considered unprofessional. Might appear in narratives about workplace gossip or immature behaviour.
Academic
Very rare in formal prose, except in literary analysis describing a character's action.
Everyday
Common in informal conversation to describe mocking or childish laughter.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The students tried not to snicker at the teacher's unfortunate typo.
- He snickered quietly into his programme during the boring speech.
American English
- The kids snickered when the mayor tripped on the steps.
- I heard you snicker at my suggestion—what's so funny?
adverb
British English
- Not standardly used as an adverb.
American English
- Not standardly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not standardly used as an adjective.
American English
- Not standardly used as an adjective.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children snickered at the silly picture.
- She couldn't help but snicker when he told the bad joke.
- A faint snicker rippled through the audience after the speaker's Freudian slip.
- The cynical journalist merely snickered at the politician's platitudes, finding them utterly devoid of sincerity.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'sneak' who 'kicks' someone when they're down, but with laughter. A SNICKer is a sneaky, kicking kind of laugh.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAUGHTER IS A WEAPON / MOCKERY IS A PHYSICAL BLOW (A 'snicker' is a small, sharp, covert strike).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'хихикать' which is closer to a light-hearted 'giggle'. 'Snicker/snigger' has a stronger element of mockery, closer to 'усмехаться' or 'посмеиваться (язвительно)'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with 'snigger' in terms of regional preference. Misspelling as 'snickher' or 'snikkar'. Using it to describe loud, open laughter.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'snicker'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are synonyms with nearly identical meanings. The primary difference is regional: 'snicker' is standard in American English, while 'snigger' is more common in British English.
It is generally negative or neutral at best. It implies mockery, ridicule, or sly amusement at someone else's expense, and can be seen as immature or unkind.
Yes. As a noun, it refers to the act or sound of snickering (e.g., 'He let out a quick snicker').
No, that is a brand name. The chocolate bar is named after a horse owned by the Mars family, not the laugh.