What does snicker mean?
A snicker is a short, suppressed or furtive laugh, and to snicker is to make that kind of laugh. The expression often suggests that someone is amused by something they do not want to admit openly, or that they find another person's mistake or discomfort amusing. It can therefore sound playful in a friendly context but mocking or unkind when directed at someone. A snicker is usually quieter and more restrained than an ordinary laugh, and it may also be deliberately furtive, as if the person is trying not to be heard. The word is especially common in North American English; British English more often uses the closely related term snigger. Although snicker can describe genuine amusement, its frequent association with mockery means that it can carry a negative or derisive tone depending on context and intent.
A short, suppressed or furtive laugh, especially one that is mocking or barely audible.
"He could not suppress a snicker when the cat knocked the vase over."
Informal; often implies amusement at someone else's misfortune or embarrassment.
To laugh briefly in a suppressed or furtive manner.
"Several students snickered when the teacher mispronounced the name."
The verb can sound teasing or contemptuous when used about laughter directed at another person.
The plural is used for multiple instances of the laugh or multiple audible snickers.
"There were a few quiet snickers from the audience."
A snicker is a laugh trying not to be heard—and often says more than a smile would.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does snicker come from?
Snicker is an English word whose formation is imitative: its sound was apparently chosen to suggest a short, suppressed laugh. The verb and noun developed in the nineteenth century, with the word appearing in forms connected with quiet or furtive laughter. There are no widely established etymological cognates that can be listed with confidence, so the word is best understood as an English imitative formation rather than as a borrowing from a clearly identifiable foreign source.
Related word forms
How snicker is actually used
The word is informal and often carries a slightly mocking or derisive connotation. It is particularly common in North American English, whereas British speakers are more likely to use snigger.
Easily confused with snicker
Snicker and snigger often have the same meaning, but snigger is especially associated with British English, while snicker is more common in North American English.