snigger
snigger — verb
- sniggerpresent simple I / you / we / they
- sniggershe / she / it
- sniggeredpast simple
- sniggering-ing form
1. to let out a short, quiet laugh in a way that shows disrespect or scorn toward s
to let out a short, quiet laugh in a way that shows disrespect or scorn toward someone, especially when they have made a mistake or look foolish.
When the speaker mispronounced the name, Yuna heard a few people in the back snigger.
intransitive: snigger without an object
Karim tried not to snigger at his brother's awkward speech during the wedding reception.
snigger + at + target of mockery
The children sniggered behind their hands when the principal's toupee shifted to one side.
Nora felt embarrassed as she saw her classmates snigger while she stammered through the presentation.
Older boys sniggered whenever the timid substitute said 'please' in a quiet voice.
- snicker
The neutral American English equivalent; strongly preferred in modern writing to avoid the phonetic sensitivity of 'snigger'.
- titter
A lighter, often nervous laugh; less scornful and more about embarrassment or amusement.
- giggle
A high-pitched, often childish laugh; not typically scornful but can sound silly.
文法句型
snigger + at + noun phrase
用法筆記
This word is increasingly avoided in modern English because it sounds very similar to a deeply offensive racial slur. Most style guides recommend using 'snicker' (the American English term) as a neutral alternative to express the same meaning.
常見錯誤
snigger — noun
- sniggersingular
- sniggersplural
1. a short, quiet laugh that expresses mockery, disrespect, or scorn toward someone
a short, quiet laugh that expresses mockery, disrespect, or scorn toward someone, often when they have said or done something awkward.
Justin gave a quick snigger when he spotted the spelling mistake on the poster.
give a + snigger (common pattern)
A faint snigger came from the back when the singer forgot the lyrics.
Meera hid her snigger behind a fake cough when her dad walked in with cake on his face.
Elena could not suppress a snigger when she read the embarrassing typo in the menu.
The teacher silenced the class after a low snigger from the corner.
文法句型
a + snigger + (from + noun phrase)
give + a + snigger
用法筆記
Same sensitivity as the verb form applies. Written American English almost always uses 'snicker' instead. In British English, 'snigger' is still found in older literature but editors increasingly flag it.