tittering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tittering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quiet, nervous, or suppressed laugh, often in response to something amusing or inappropriate. Example: "The audience was tittering at the comedian's risqué jokes, unsure of how to react."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The rocky great-apes enclosure is constantly surrounded by tittering schoolkids, pointing at the pink and blue posteriors on display in the baboon and mandrill pens.

The Economist

All of Tyrion's sardonic witticisms that had us tittering in previous seasons were taken out of context and used against him.

Independent

Several invitees at the pre-release screening were derisive, tittering and guffawing, especially during the sex scenes.

Independent

Caitlin Moran explained her reasons for turning down an invitation to Have I Got News For You: "Because she knows she will be on as the token female guest, that she will rarely be allowed to speak – it will be edited out before screening in order to "save her from herself", with the result that the only clips of her actually shown would be her politely tittering at a man's jokes.

Independent

And, by all accounts, tittering professional journalists seem much more interested in this latest development than the student body.

The New Yorker

One of the prison orderlies, Manuel, whom Koestler describes as "a little degenerate cripple," rumored to have been sentenced to life for "some sexual offense that had had a fatal outcome," is on duty with a particularly sadistic warder whom Koestler calls "Captain Bligh": At half-past ten I heard subdued whispering, tittering, and very odd snuffling and smacking noises in the corridor.

The New Yorker

As the students examined Mr. Perez's Facebook page, tittering erupted from one of the tables.

The New York Times

In the annals of rich-lady problems, showing up to the party in the same dress as another guest is likely to result in a tormenting night of uncomfortable stares and tittering.

The New York Times

The incident, which resulted in a no-contest plea, seemed to evoke the unsavory flip side of his artistic fixations on youth and innocence, and tittering conversation about the arrest dominated that summer, at least until Clarence Thomas's controversial Supreme Court confirmation hearings a few months later.

The New York Times

Dave Horowitz ("Humpty Dumpty Climbs Again," "Five Little Gefiltes") specializes in comical stories that operate on two levels, leaving parents tittering along with their children's giggles.

The New York Times - Books

Or, to summarize the movie another way: tittering over "lady-boys," broken cellphones, Thai vistas, car smash-ups, references to Weibo and Fan Bingbing, rough massages and suspected cuckolding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tittering" to convey a sense of suppressed or nervous laughter, often in response to something considered slightly inappropriate or amusing in a subtle way. It adds a layer of nuance beyond simple laughter.

Common error

Avoid using "tittering" when a more genuine or hearty laugh is intended. "Tittering" often carries a connotation of nervousness or slight discomfort, so ensure it aligns with the intended emotional tone of the scene.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tittering" is as a present participle or gerund, often used to describe an ongoing action or state. Ludwig examples show it modifying nouns (e.g., "tittering schoolkids") or acting as a noun itself.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tittering" is a versatile word used to describe a suppressed or nervous laugh, often in response to something slightly inappropriate or socially awkward. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "giggling" and "snickering" exist, "tittering" carries a unique connotation of restrained amusement. When using "tittering", ensure that the tone aligns with the intended emotional context to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

giggling

Implies a lighter, often more innocent form of amusement than "tittering".

snickering

Suggests a secretive or mocking amusement, often at someone else's expense.

chuckle

Indicates a quiet, contained laugh, often expressing amusement or satisfaction.

guffawing

Describes a loud, boisterous laugh, showing a more open and unreserved amusement.

smirking

Suggests a knowing or self-satisfied smile, often with a hint of smugness.

snorting

Implies a sudden, forceful expulsion of air through the nose, often due to laughter or contempt.

tee-heeing

Indicates a high-pitched, silly laugh, often associated with girlishness or nervousness.

simpering

Suggests a coy or insincere smile, often used to ingratiate oneself with others.

grinning

Describes a wide, open smile, expressing happiness or amusement.

roaring with laughter

Signifies a loud, unrestrained expression of amusement.

FAQs

How can I use "tittering" in a sentence?

"Tittering" can describe a quiet, suppressed laugh, often indicating nervousness or amusement at something slightly inappropriate. For example: "The audience was "tittering" at the comedian's jokes."

What words are similar to "tittering"?

Alternatives to "tittering" include "giggling", "snickering", and "chuckling". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "tittering"?

Use "tittering" when you want to suggest a restrained or nervous laugh, often in response to something slightly inappropriate or taboo. It's less forceful than a "guffaw" and more subtle than a "chuckle".

What's the difference between "tittering" and "snickering"?

"Tittering" generally implies a nervous or suppressed laugh, while "snickering" often suggests a more malicious or secretive amusement. "Snickering" usually implies laughing at someone else's expense.