sniggered

Sniggered is the past tense of the verb "snigger." To snigger means to give a short, quiet, and suppressed laugh, often indicating contempt, derision, or amusement at something considered improper or ridiculous. It is characterized by a choked or stifled sound, distinguishing it from a loud or open laugh. The act of sniggering can convey a sense of superiority or judgment on the part of the person doing the sniggering.

The word snigger is of imitative origin, suggesting the sound it describes. It is often used in literature to depict characters reacting to a situation or another person with subtle, often unkind, amusement. While it describes a specific type of laughter, it can also be interpreted as a social signal, indicating disapproval or a private joke being shared at someone else's expense. The tone of a snigger is typically negative, implying that the laughter is not shared openly or with good humor. The term is generally considered informal.