Comparisons Wiki

Snigger vs. Snicker: Difference and Comparison

Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on December 28, 2023
Snigger and snicker both refer to a suppressed, often mocking laugh, but snigger implies more malice or scorn, while snicker suggests more amusement or irony.
Snigger vs. Snicker

Difference Between Snigger and Snicker

Snigger, often used in British English, conveys a more contemptuous or derisive tone. Snicker, more common in American English, typically suggests a half-suppressed, indecorous laugh.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
Snigger is frequently associated with a sense of superiority or disdain. Snicker implies a more light-hearted, less disdainful laugh, often shared among a group as an inside joke.
Muazma Batool
Dec 28, 2023
The sound of a snigger is often nasal and suggests snideness, whereas a snicker is usually quieter and more controlled, reflecting amusement rather than contempt.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
Sniggering is often seen as more offensive and hurtful, reflecting mockery or contempt for someone or something. Snickering, while still potentially impolite, is less likely to be perceived as malicious.
William
Dec 28, 2023
In literature, sniggering characters are often portrayed as antagonistic or unsympathetic, while characters who snicker are more likely to be depicted as mischievous or playful.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023

Snigger vs. Snicker Comparison Chart

Connotation

More contemptuous, scornful
More playful, amused
Muazma Batool
Dec 28, 2023

Common Usage

Predominantly British English
Predominantly American English
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023

Sound Characteristic

Nasal, mocking
Quieter, more controlled
Muazma Batool
Dec 28, 2023

Social Implication

Often offensive, hurtful
Less likely to be perceived as malicious
Leo
Dec 28, 2023

Emotional Underpinning

Derision, superiority
Amusement, irony
Elijah
Dec 28, 2023

Frequency in Speech

Less common
More common
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023

Use in Writing

Indicates negativity or scorn
Suggests humor or light-heartedness
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023

Snigger vs. Snicker Definitions

Snigger

A sly or disrespectful laugh, often hidden.
He tried to hide a snigger when the teacher tripped over a wire.
Jonathan
Dec 28, 2023

Snicker

A quiet, playful laugh shared among friends.
They exchanged snickers over the inside joke.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023

Snigger

A contemptuous or mocking laugh, especially in a covert manner.
They exchanged sniggers during the awkward speech.
Muazma Batool
Dec 28, 2023

Snicker

A chuckle expressing amusement rather than contempt.
Her witty remark earned a few snickers from the crowd.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023

Snigger

A sneering or scornful chuckle, often muffled.
The snigger from the back of the room was unmistakably mean.
Lucas
Dec 28, 2023

Snicker

A half-stifled, humorous laugh.
The audience snickered at the actor's unexpected ad-lib.
Muazma Batool
Dec 28, 2023

Snigger

A snide, stifled laugh expressing derision or superiority.
Her snigger at his homemade costume was hurtful.
Lucas
Dec 28, 2023

Snicker

A suppressed, often ironic laugh.
They couldn't help but snicker at the comical error in the sign.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023

Snigger

A derisive, half-suppressed laugh.
His snigger at the faulty presentation was poorly concealed.
Elijah
Dec 28, 2023

Snicker

An amused, covert laugh, especially at something absurd.
A snicker spread through the class when the parrot mimicked the teacher.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023

Snigger

A snicker.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Snicker

To utter a partly stifled laugh
"I have seen the eternal Footman hold my coat, and snicker" (T.S. Eliot).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Snigger

To snicker.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Snigger

A partly suppressed or broken laugh.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Snigger

A sly or snide laugh.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Snigger

(intransitive) To emit a snigger.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Snigger

See Snicker.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Snigger

See Snicker.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Snigger

a disrespectful laugh
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Snigger

laugh quietly
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Snigger vs. Snicker Frequently Asked Questions

Is snigger used more in British English?

Yes, snigger is more common in British English.
Muazma Batool
Dec 28, 2023

Can snigger be considered offensive?

Yes, sniggering can be seen as offensive due to its mocking nature.
Lucas
Dec 28, 2023

What does snigger mean?

Snigger refers to a sly, often contemptuous laugh.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023

Does snicker have a negative connotation?

Snicker is less negative, often indicating amusement or irony.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023

Which is more common in speech, snigger or snicker?

Snicker is more commonly used, especially in American English.
William
Dec 28, 2023

Do snigger and snicker mean the same?

They are similar but differ in tone and connotation.
Lucas
Dec 28, 2023

What is the main difference in the sound of snigger and snicker?

Snigger is more nasal and mocking, while snicker is quieter and controlled.
Jonathan
Dec 28, 2023

In literature, how are sniggering characters usually portrayed?

They are often shown as antagonistic or unsympathetic.
Jonathan
Dec 28, 2023

Can snicker be used to describe a light-hearted laugh?

Yes, snicker often implies a playful or amused laugh.
Lucas
Dec 28, 2023

Is snicker more socially acceptable than snigger?

Generally, snickering is considered less hurtful than sniggering.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023

Content Creators

Written by
Muneeza Rehman
At Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma Batool
As a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.

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