snickering
Muffled mocking laughter
Snickering is laughing in a half-suppressed way, often with an edge of mockery or knowing amusement.
It suggests trying to contain laughter that wants to escape—the sound kids make when someone says something that could be taken the wrong way: The boys were snickering in the back row.
Snickering usually implies the laughter is at someone's expense.
Laughing in short bursts
- titteringNervous, restrained laughter
- chucklingLaughing softly, briefly
- smirkingSmiling with smugness
- jeeringVocal public mockery
taunting · derision · scorn · ridicule · sneering · contempt · mean-spirited · derisive
Forcibly held in
- muffledMade quieter, less distinct
- quietLacking in sound
- restrainedHeld under control
- covering mouthBlocking oral opening
hidden · secretive · inappropriate · nervous · embarrassed · choking back · biting lip
giggling
Laughing in short bursts
jeering · taunting · derision · scorn · ridicule · sneering · contempt · mean-spirited · derisive · sniggering
stifled
Forcibly held in
- muffledMade quieter, less distinct
- quietLacking in sound
- restrainedHeld under control
covering mouth · hidden · secretive · inappropriate · nervous · embarrassed · choking back · biting lip
- laughterlaugh, giggling, chuckling, laughing, giggles
- audience reactionsapplause, clapping, booing, cheering, laughter
- behaviorshabit, aggressive, agitation, conduct, passive
- school mischiefspitballs, note passing, passing notes, cheating, copying
- celebrationsgraduation, festival, party, wedding, fireworks
- facial expressionssmiling, smile, grin, grinning, frown
snickeringcrying
Emotional tear release
weeping · sobbing · wailing · bawling · whimpering
snickeringapplauding
Expressing approval vocally
cheering · praising · encouraging · comforting · complimenting