To laugh quietly in a disrespectful or scornful way, especially at something you think is funny or foolish.
Likely imitative in origin, from the Middle English 'snike.' The sound mimics the nasal quality of suppressed or mocking laughter.
Snicker is one of the most onomatopoetic words in English—it actually sounds like the laugh it describes, making it a genuine sound-picture. Different languages have their own 'snicker' equivalents, each capturing their version of mean-spirited giggling.
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