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. to utter such a laugh Equivalent term (in Britain and certain other countries)snigger
2. (of a horse) to whinny

Other Words From

• snicker·ing·ly 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

Or you could get the snicker out of your system and get real about the fact that a lot of the lotions and potions used to make us feel good down there aren’t exactly doing the same for Mother Nature.

From Los Angeles Times

Yes, the incels will rage but they’ll also be deflated and much of politically disengaged bro-land will snicker at Trump rather than rushing to the polls to vote for him.

From Salon

Yes, the incels will rage but they’ll also be deflated and much of politically disengaged bro-land will snicker at Trump rather than rushing to the polls to vote for him.

From Salon

The differences were stark and — save for the occasional groan, eye roll or sarcastic snicker — politely received.

From Los Angeles Times

Hardly a mention of the production went by without a snicker.

From New York Times

Related Words

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