Sniggered is a verb that means to laugh in a sneaky, muted or suppressed manner. Its spelling is derived from the British English pronunciation of the word. Sniggered is spelled as /ˈsnɪɡəd/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable 'snig' rhymes with 'dig', and the second syllable 'gered' rhymes with 'savored'. The 'g' in 'gered' is pronounced softly with a nasal quality, as in the word 'fingered'. Overall, the pronunciation and spelling of sniggered reflect the subtle nature of this act of laughter.
Sniggered is a verb derived from the noun "snigger," which refers to a stifled, scornful or malicious laugh made with the intent to mock or belittle someone or something. When someone sniggers, they emit such a laugh, typically characterized by a combination of amusement, derision, and often covert disrespect.
The act of sniggering commonly implies a sense of superiority or a mocking attitude towards the subject of ridicule. It might occur in response to a joke or a situation that the sniggerer perceives as humorous, albeit in a degrading or derogatory manner. The sound produced when sniggering is often distinctive, characterized by a short, snorting, and half-suppressed laughter.
Sniggering is frequently seen as impolite or offensive, as it can inflict emotional harm or hurt others' feelings. The term has a negative connotation due to its association with mockery and derision. People who snigger may display a lack of empathy or sensitivity towards others, as they often find amusement in someone else's expense or embarrassment.
In summary, to snigger is to emit a scornful or malicious laugh characterized by amusement and derision. It is an act of mocking laughter often seen as impolite or offensive, as it can hurt others' emotions and demonstrate a lack of empathy.
The word "sniggered" has its origins in the early 18th century and is derived from the verb "snigger". The etymology of "snigger" is uncertain, but it is possibly related to the dialectal word "snicker", which originated from the Middle Low German word "snikeren" meaning "to snicker" or "to laugh derisively". So, "sniggered" essentially means to laugh in a muffled or half-suppressed manner, often suggesting ridicule or contempt.