snigger
UK[ˈsnɪɡə(r)]US[ˈsnɪɡər]
v
to laugh in a quiet, unpleasant, and often unkind way, especially at something rude or at someone's problems or mistakes.
n
a quiet, unpleasant, and often unkind laugh.
Etymology
the word 'snigger' is of imitative origin, emerging in english in the early 18th century. it was created to phonetically represent the sound of a smothered, sly, or contemptuous laugh, often through the nose. this places it in the category of echoic words, where the form directly suggests the action or sound it describes. its meaning has remained closely tied to this auditory impression, denoting a laugh that is quiet, mocking, and suggestive of meanness or disrespect.
Analysis
this word is considered a simplex form. it is an onomatopoeic or imitative word, likely formed to mimic the sound of a stifled, scornful laugh. its functional role is as a complete lexical unit.
Examples
the group of boys began to snigger when the teacher tripped over the bag.
she tried to hide a snigger behind her hand during the serious meeting.
his story was met with a few awkward sniggers from the audience.