snicker

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "snicker" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's quiet, mocking laughter, typically in response to a joke or other amusing situation. For example, "The stand-up comedian's punchline was met with a few snickers from the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Replied the long-hitting McIlroy, "If you got your swing speed over 100mph you might need spikes too... ;)" Golf historians may still be checking their archives, but so far the consensus is that Hogan and Nelson, Palmer and Nicklaus and Woods and Mickelson never had an exchange like this for millions around the world to instantly read, retweet and snicker.

The New York Times - Sports

He might be a good statewide candidate next time around... rapidly rescrambling mental game of Risk).9 52: Waiting to test the hypothesis that "the tea party stops at the Colorado River".9 48: I snicker at that poll.9 47: Mr Black, I don't so much mind the ritual "America is great".

The Economist

I snicker in the same way I snickered at Ricky Henderson for this moment.

The Economist

LOOKING around at her fellow volunteers making phone calls to voters on behalf of Mitt Romney, Lee Weiss can't help but snicker.

The Economist

If they don't, Prop 19 will probably go down.9 34: Mr Rubio notes that sometimes people snicker at his odes to American greatness.

The Economist

While Barack Obama's feeble primary performance in states where he is unpopular is good for a snicker or a sigh, the real story of the night is the surprise blowout victory of Thomas Massie (pictured), a Ron Paul-style conservative, against the GOP establishment candidates in Kentucky's 4th congressional district.

The Economist

It is totally free of traffic, with a grand view across to the Eiger and with little more than the snicker of skis on snow to break the peace.

Independent

I own ten of these chalets and manage twenty-five more, and several of the Hondurans recognize my Suburban, and give a wave and a snicker at Don Francisco, which makes me mildly uncomfortable.

The New Yorker

We just bathe in the ease of it, and we snicker along with him as he jeers at Tom Ripley Matt Damonn), up in the bow, who is spying on the lovemakers down in the hold.

The New Yorker

"Alexander McQueen: Genius of a Generation," a biography of the late fashion designer, will go on sale next month in the U.K. Why we snicker when we read about sex.

The New Yorker

He might have grimaced at the scaffold; he might have shared a mordant snicker with the crowd; and, most likely, he might have just stayed away.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "snicker" to describe a suppressed or partly stifled laugh, often implying derision or secret amusement. It's suitable when the laughter is not openly expressed but is still audible or noticeable.

Common error

Be mindful of the context. "Snicker" implies a quiet, often mocking laugh. Avoid using it when describing open, joyful, or hearty laughter; alternatives like "laugh", "chuckle", or "guffaw" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "snicker" is as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it describes the action of emitting a suppressed laugh. As a noun, it refers to the sound itself. Ludwig AI confirms this dual functionality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "snicker" functions as both a verb and a noun, denoting a suppressed or stifled laugh that often carries undertones of derision or secret amusement. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in modern English, affirming its place in various contexts, particularly within news and media. While grammatically sound, careful consideration of context is crucial; "snicker" implies a specific type of restrained laughter, distinct from open, joyful expressions. Be mindful of potential negative connotations associated with mocking laughter when using "snicker". As exemplified by the numerous authoritative sources on Ludwig, understanding this nuance ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

giggle

Implies a lighter, more innocent form of suppressed laughter, often associated with nervousness or silliness.

chuckle

Suggests a quiet, amused laugh, often at something lighthearted or pleasant.

titter

Indicates a nervous or restrained laugh, often high-pitched and somewhat inappropriate.

chortle

Indicates a gleeful, chuckling laugh.

smirk

Conveys a smug or self-satisfied smile, often implying amusement or contempt.

snort

Suggests a sudden, explosive sound from the nose, often expressing contempt or amusement.

simper

Implies a silly or affected smile, often perceived as insincere.

guffaw

Represents a loud, unrestrained burst of laughter.

sneer

Represents a contemptuous or mocking smile, often accompanied by a raised upper lip.

scoff

Expresses contempt or disbelief through a scornful laugh or remark.

FAQs

How to use "snicker" in a sentence?

You can use "snicker" to describe a quiet, suppressed laugh, often implying amusement or derision. For example: "His joke was so bad it only elicited a few "snickers" from the back of the room."

What can I say instead of "snicker"?

You can use alternatives like "giggle", "chuckle", or "titter" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "snicker" a positive or negative word?

"Snicker" is often used in a negative or slightly mocking context, suggesting amusement at someone else's expense. However, it can also simply describe a quiet or suppressed laugh without negative connotations.

What's the difference between "snicker" and "sneer"?

"Snicker" refers to a suppressed laugh, while "sneer" is a facial expression indicating contempt or disdain. You can "snicker" at someone's misfortune and "sneer" at their poor fashion choices.