1553, "to snort" (of horses), perhaps from N.Fris. sneere "to scorn," related to O.E. fnæran "to snort, gnash one's teeth," of imitative origin (cf. Dan. snærre "to grin like a dog," M.Du., M.H.G. snarren "to rattle"). Meaning "to smile contemptuously" is from 1680; sense of "to curl the upper lip in scorn" is attested from 1775. The noun is attested from 1707.
Scoff\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Scoffed (?; 115); p. pr. & vb. n. Scoffing.] [Cf. Dan. skuffe to deceive, delude, Icel. skopa to scoff, OD. schoppen. See Scoff, n.] To show insolent ridicule or mockery; to manifest contempt by derisive acts or language; -- often with at. Truth from his lips prevailed with double sway, And fools who came to scoff, remained to pray. --Goldsmith. God's better gift they scoff at and refuse. --Cowper. Syn: To sneer; mock; gibe; jeer. See Sneer.
Sneer\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Sneered; p. pr. & vb. n. Sneering.] [OE. sneren, Dan. sn?rre to snarl or grin (like a dog); cf. Prov. E. sneer to grin, sner to snort, snert to sneer at. See Snore, v. i.]1. To show contempt by turning up the nose, or by a particular facial expression. 2. To inssinuate contempt by a covert expression; to speak derisively. I could be content to be a little sneared at. --Pope. 3. To show mirth awkwardly. [R.] --Tatler. Syn: To scoff; gibe; jeer. Usage: Sneer, Scoff, Jeer. The verb to sneer implies to cast contempt indirectly or by covert expressions. To jeer is stronger, and denotes the use of several sarcastic reflections. To scoff is stronger still, implying the use of insolent mockery and derision. And sneers as learnedly as they, Like females o'er their morning tea. --Swift. Midas, exposed to all their jeers, Had lost his art, and kept his ears. --Swift. The fop, with learning at defiance, Scoffs at the pedant and science. --Gay.
Sneer\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Sneered; p. pr. & vb. n. Sneering.] [OE. sneren, Dan. sn?rre to snarl or grin (like a dog); cf. Prov. E. sneer to grin, sner to snort, snert to sneer at. See Snore, v. i.]1. To show contempt by turning up the nose, or by a particular facial expression. 2. To inssinuate contempt by a covert expression; to speak derisively. I could be content to be a little sneared at. --Pope. 3. To show mirth awkwardly. [R.] --Tatler. Syn: To scoff; gibe; jeer. Usage: Sneer, Scoff, Jeer. The verb to sneer implies to cast contempt indirectly or by covert expressions. To jeer is stronger, and denotes the use of several sarcastic reflections. To scoff is stronger still, implying the use of insolent mockery and derision. And sneers as learnedly as they, Like females o'er their morning tea. --Swift. Midas, exposed to all their jeers, Had lost his art, and kept his ears. --Swift. The fop, with learning at defiance, Scoffs at the pedant and science. --Gay.
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