Snigger vs. Snicker — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 20, 2023
Both words mean a suppressed or half-suppressed laugh; "snigger" is more common in British English while "snicker" is more common in American English.
Difference Between Snigger and Snicker
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
In British English, the term Snigger is more prevalent, whereas Snicker is primarily an American English term. However, both words are understood in either region.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Both Snigger and Snicker can be used as nouns and verbs. For instance, one might "snigger" or "snicker" at a joke, or one might hear a "snigger" or "snicker" from the back of the room.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Snigger and Snicker both refer to a short, suppressed laugh, often indicative of amusement or derision. The difference lies primarily in regional usage.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Contextually, both words can be used in both light-hearted and negative connotations. A Snigger might be seen as more sly or sneaky, while a Snicker might be seen as more playful or cheeky, though this can vary based on the situation.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Historically, Snigger and Snicker have been used interchangeably. Their etymologies are somewhat murky, but they have been present in the language for several centuries, often describing quiet or covert laughter.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Usage in Literature
Found in older British literature
More prevalent in American texts
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Definitions
Snigger
A quiet, restrained laugh or chuckle.
She heard a snigger from the back of the classroom.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Snicker
A short, suppressed laugh or chuckle.
He let out a snicker when the cat missed its jump.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Snicker
A quiet expression of amusement or derision.
There was a snicker among the audience members.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Snigger
A laugh expressing ridicule or contempt.
His comment was met with sniggers from the audience.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Snicker
A secretive or sly laugh.
I heard a snicker when the teacher's back was turned.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Snigger
To laugh in a half-suppressed manner.
I couldn't help but snigger at the scene.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Snicker
To utter a partly stifled laugh
"I have seen the eternal Footman hold my coat, and snicker" (T.S. Eliot).
Tayyaba Rehman
Dec 12, 2018
Snicker
To laugh with audible catches of voice, as when persons attempt to suppress loud laughter.
Tayyaba Rehman
Dec 12, 2018
Snigger
To laugh covertly or quietly.
She tried to snigger discreetly during the speech.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Snicker
To laugh in a playful or mischievous manner.
The kids snickered as they played their prank.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Snicker
To chuckle especially from amusement or nervousness.
She snickered nervously during the tense scene.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
FAQs
How is Snicker different from Snigger?
Snicker and Snigger have similar meanings, but Snicker is more common in American English.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Can I use Snigger and Snicker interchangeably?
While their meanings overlap, regional preferences may make one more suitable than the other.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Is it rude to Snigger or Snicker at someone?
In many contexts, it can be considered impolite or mocking.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Are there any idioms involving Snigger or Snicker?
Not widely recognized ones, but they can appear in various expressions or literary contexts.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Is Snigger more British and Snicker more American?
Yes, Snigger is more common in British English and Snicker in American English.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Can both words be used in negative contexts?
Yes, both can indicate derision or mockery.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Which word is older, Snigger or Snicker?
Both have been in the language for centuries and their origins are somewhat murky.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Is it common to hear Snicker in British literature?
While it's understood, Snigger is more prevalent in British texts.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
What is the verb form of Snicker?
The verb form is "to snicker," as in "he snickered at the joke."
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Which word has a more playful connotation, Snigger or Snicker?
Snicker often has a more playful connotation, while Snigger can be seen as more sly or sneaky.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Can animals Snigger or Snicker?
While animals don't laugh in the human sense, the terms can be used figuratively to describe similar sounds.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
How can I use Snigger in a sentence?
"I heard a snigger from the crowd when he tripped."
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Do Snigger and Snicker have the same etymology?
Their exact etymologies are unclear, but they've both been used for several centuries to describe suppressed laughter.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
