The word "sniggering" is spelled with two "g's" because the first "g" represents the hard "g" sound (/ɡ/), while the second "g" represents the soft "g" sound (/dʒ/). The phonetic transcription of the word is /ˈsnɪɡərɪŋ/, with the stress on the second syllable. The word means to laugh in a disrespectful or mocking way, and is often associated with being insensitive or offensive. It's important to be aware of the connotations of this word and to use it appropriately in conversation.
Sniggering refers to a type of laughter or giggling characterized by a suppressed, often derisive sound. It is an expression of amusement or scorn that is usually stifled or muffled, often to avoid attracting attention or to maintain a sense of superiority over others. The term is commonly used to describe a specific type of laughter that is scornful, mocking, or derisive in nature.
When someone sniggers, they emit a quiet, snorting laugh, often accompanied by smirking or smiling in a mocking or contemptuous manner. The sound produced while sniggering is typically short, sharp, and nasal in tone. It may express amusement derived from someone else's misfortune, embarrassment, or foolishness, or be used as a means to belittle or ridicule others.
Sniggering can occur when an individual finds something inappropriate, rude, or offensive funny, but chooses to conceal their amusement. It is often associated with a sense of superiority or a desire to maintain a certain level of cynicism or sarcasm.
The term can also be used to describe laughter shared among a group of people with similar intentions of mockery or scorn. In such situations, sniggering can foster a sense of camaraderie or signify shared derision towards a common target.
Overall, sniggering is a form of suppressed laughter that conveys amusement, disdain, or ridicule toward others, often through a discreet, nasal snorting sound.
The word "sniggering" has its origins in the late 17th century. It is derived from the Middle English word "snickeren", which meant "to laugh in a half-suppressed manner" or "to snicker". This Middle English word, in turn, was derived from the Dutch word "snikeren", meaning "to snicker" or "to laugh under one's breath". The Dutch word was likely influenced by the Middle Low German word "snikeren", meaning "to snicker" or "to scoff". Overall, the etymology of "sniggering" suggests a gradual evolution from various Germanic languages with a consistent meaning of suppressed or slightly mocking laughter.