snigger

Everyday

1. To snigger is to laugh quietly in a rude or unkind way, often at someone's mistake or at something naughty. tree →
2. A snigger is that small, half-hidden laugh. tree →
3. (US) The usual American word is «snicker», which means the same. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and at school sniggering happens behind someone's back; the reader learns that people are mocking, or that a joke is a bit rude. Teachers often stop children from sniggering when someone gets an answer wrong. Phrases: snigger at, a snigger went round the class.

Examples

• The boys sniggered when the teacher tripped. tree →
• A snigger went round the class. tree →
• Please don't snigger when someone reads aloud. tree →
• She heard sniggers from the back row. tree →
• He sniggered at the rude word in the book. tree →
• Mum told us off for sniggering in church. tree →

Note

British English mostly says «snigger», American English «snicker». Past form: sniggered. Countable noun: a snigger. It is not the same as a giggle: giggling can be friendly; sniggering is usually unkind or cheeky.