Snickering

Snickering describes a suppressed or disrespectful laugh, often characterized by a quiet, sly tone that indicates amusement or disdain at another person's expense. It's a form of laughter that's deliberately hushed, usually indicating a secret or shared understanding, sometimes tinged with malicious intent. It can be a sign of superiority, amusement, or a lack of respect. It's often used when a person feels they are privy to something others are not, such as a joke at someone's expense, or when they find a situation funny but inappropriate to laugh openly about. The sound typically involves the mouth being partially covered, resulting in a quiet 'snick' sound, which is why the word is formed the way it is. The action can communicate a variety of sentiments from lighthearted to malicious.

Snickering meaning with examples

• During the teacher's embarrassing slip-up, the mischievous students, seeing the comical situation, started snickering amongst themselves, trying to hide their giggles behind their hands. Their quick glances and covered mouths amplified their silent amusement as they observed the situation. The teacher looked at them and felt a sudden rage coming on.
• As the politician fumbled through his prepared speech, tripping over his words and mispronouncing key phrases, the opposing party members could be seen snickering quietly. They took immense pleasure in his difficulty, enjoying a moment where their rival was struggling. These furtive, suppressed laughs revealed their sense of triumph and disdain.
• The two friends exchanged a knowing look and started snickering when they saw their mutual friend's date arrive, the latter adorned in an odd, mismatched outfit. They tried to cover it and hide it but the situation proved hilarious. They knew the date wouldn't last long. They could not stop laughing on the inside, but also covered their mouths.
• When the comedian began his self-deprecating routine, poking fun at his own clumsiness and everyday mishaps, the audience, appreciating his relatable humor, began snickering with delight. The audience found a level of camaraderie and joy in his self-imposed jokes, because they were so true to their lives too. The response was met with warm and cheerful laughter.