Sneer
/snɪər/noun
To smile or speak in a contemptuous or mocking manner.
Did you know?The term 'sneer' is linked to expressions of disdain, historically seen as a way to cast spells of social exclusion and mockery.
Etymological Timeline
Middle English
English
sneren
“To snarl or make a contemptuous expression.”
Old Norse
Old Norse
snyra
“To turn or twist, often with a sense of mockery.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
sneuhwaz
“To snort, which conveys disdain or derision.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sneuh-
“To mock or deride, suggesting a deep-rooted connection to scornful behavior.”