Snigger vs. Snicker: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on September 28, 2023
Snigger and snicker both refer to a suppressed or half-suppressed laugh, but "snicker" is more commonly used in American English, while "snigger" is more prevalent in British English.
Key Differences
Snigger and snicker essentially refer to the same action, a stifled or secretive laugh usually expressing amusement, scorn, or disdain. The primary distinction between these terms lies in their usage in different regions. Snigger is predominantly used in British English and is familiar to speakers in the United Kingdom. Conversely, snicker is the preferred term in American English and is widely recognized in the United States.
The two words serve as a prime example of the subtle differences between American and British English, which, while minor, are notable. These variations do not affect the understanding of the terms significantly as the context generally makes the meaning clear. Both snigger and snicker are utilized to depict a type of laugh that is not loud or hearty but rather concealed or restrained, often conveying a sense of mockery or contempt.
The origin of both words is somewhat uncertain, but they seem to have appeared around the same time in the late 17th century, evolving independently. Regardless, both words are understood globally, thanks to media and literature, and both convey a form of laughter that is more subdued and less openly joyful or amused, often used to describe a reaction to something ironic or sarcastically humorous.
Despite the minimal differences and regional preferences, snigger and snicker are interchangeable in most contexts. They both represent a sound or act of laughter that is controlled or secretive, usually expressing amusement at someone else's expense or situation. Both terms are descriptive and evoke a specific kind of laughter that is distinct from a full, hearty laugh or a giggle.
Comparison Chart
Usage
More common in British English
More common in American English
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Region
United Kingdom
United States
Connotation
A suppressed or half-suppressed laugh
A restrained or secretive laugh
Synonym
Snicker in American English
Snigger in British English
Meaning
Indicates a scornful or mocking laughter
Refers to a stifled or secretive laughter
Snigger and Snicker Definitions
Snigger
A form of quiet or subdued laughter typically indicative of amusement at another's expense.
There was a snigger from the audience when the actor forgot his lines.
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Snicker
A restrained or quiet laugh expressing secret amusement or mockery.
The kids began to snicker when the principal slipped on the ice.
Snigger
A sneering or stifled chuckle expressing mockery or contempt.
At the back of the class, a few students shared a snigger.
Snicker
A muffled or discreet laugh generally expressing amusement at someone else’s expense.
She tried not to snicker during the awkward situation.
Snigger
A secretive chuckle or laugh expressing amusement or disdain.
The comedian’s joke caused a few sniggers among the crowd.
Snicker
A half-suppressed laughter usually conveying contempt or amusement.
I heard a snicker from the corner when I pronounced the word wrong.
Snigger
A suppressed or discreet laughter that conveys derision or amusement.
She let out a snigger when she saw him trip.
Snicker
A laugh that is controlled, often expressing irony or sarcastic humor.
The sarcastic comment earned a snicker from the class.
Snigger
A quiet and secretive laugh usually expressing scorn or amusement.
He tried to stifle a snigger when the teacher’s wig fell off.
Snicker
To utter a partly stifled laugh
"I have seen the eternal Footman hold my coat, and snicker" (T.S. Eliot).
Snigger
A snicker.
Snicker
A partly stifled laugh.
Snigger
To snicker.
Snicker
A stifled or broken laugh.
Snigger
A partly suppressed or broken laugh.
Snicker
A player who snicks the ball.
Snigger
A sly or snide laugh.
Snicker
(intransitive) To emit a snicker, a stifled or broken laugh.
Snigger
(intransitive) To emit a snigger.
Snicker
(transitive) To utter through a laugh of this kind.
Snigger
See Snicker.
Snicker
(of a horse) To whinny.
Snigger
See Snicker.
Snicker
To laugh slyly; to laugh in one's sleeve.
Snigger
A disrespectful laugh
Snicker
To laugh with audible catches of voice, as when persons attempt to suppress loud laughter.
Snigger
Laugh quietly
Snicker
A half suppressed, broken laugh.
Snicker
A disrespectful laugh
Snicker
Laugh quietly
Snicker
A subdued or secretive chuckle indicative of scorn or derision.
There was a snicker in the room when he shared his idea.
FAQs
Is snicker more prevalent in American English?
Yes, snicker is the preferred term in American English.
Is snigger more common in British English?
Yes, snigger is more commonly used in British English.
Can snigger and snicker express scorn or mockery?
Yes, both terms often convey laughter expressing scorn, mockery, or amusement.
Do they both refer to a type of laughter?
Yes, both refer to a subdued or secretive type of laughter.
Is the use of snigger and snicker limited to informal communication?
Typically, both words are more common in informal contexts but can appear in formal writing for stylistic reasons.
Can both words be used as nouns and verbs?
Yes, both snigger and snicker can be used as nouns and verbs.
Are snigger and snicker interchangeable?
Yes, they are generally interchangeable and have similar meanings.
Are there any significant differences in meaning between snigger and snicker?
No, there are no significant differences in meaning between the two terms.
Do snigger and snicker depict open laughter?
No, they usually describe a more restrained or secretive form of laughter.
Can snicker be used as a synonym for snigger in the UK?
Yes, snicker can be understood as a synonym for snigger in the UK.
Can these words appear in literary writing?
Yes, both snigger and snicker are used in literary writing to depict a specific kind of laughter.
Are these terms universally understood?
Yes, due to media and literature, both terms are understood globally, despite regional preferences in usage.
Are snigger and snicker modern terms?
No, both terms have been in use since the late 17th century.
Are these terms used to express hearty laughter?
No, they are used to describe more subdued, controlled, or suppressed laughter.
Can snigger and snicker be used to describe laughter at someone’s expense?
Yes, they often describe laughter that is at someone else’s expense.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
