Sneer vs. Jeer — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 27, 2024
A sneer involves a mocking or scornful facial expression, while a jeer is a rude and mocking remark or shout.
Difference Between Sneer and Jeer
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Sneer typically refers to a facial expression that conveys contempt, disdain, or sarcasm, often characterized by a curling of the lip. On the other hand, jeer involves vocal expressions, where someone may shout or laugh at someone in a loud and mocking manner.
While a sneer is subtle and might be quietly dismissive or insulting, a jeer is overt and loud, usually intended to be heard by others as an expression of derision or ridicule. This makes sneering more about the look and jeering more about the sound.
Sneering does not necessarily involve any sound and can be a more personal, direct way of showing scorn towards another individual. Whereas jeering often involves group behavior, with multiple people participating in mocking or heckling.
In literature and drama, a character who sneers often conveys a superior attitude or cold disapproval. On the other hand, a character who jeers is usually portrayed as being part of a crowd or mob, actively participating in taunting or bullying.
A sneer can be more controlled and contained, often directed at a specific individual in a direct interaction. Whereas a jeer is typically more expansive and general, directed at a person or group in a more public setting.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
A mocking or scornful facial expression
A rude and mocking remark or shout
Expression Type
Facial, non-verbal
Vocal, verbal
Context of Use
Personal, direct interactions
Group settings, public interactions
Intended Effect
Show contempt or derision subtly
Loudly ridicule or mock
Common in
Individual expressions
Group behavior, crowds
Compare with Definitions
Sneer
Facial gesture of superiority.
She sneered at the fashion choices of others.
Jeer
Taunting or heckling noise.
The comedian faced jeers for his controversial jokes.
Sneer
A scornful facial expression.
He gave a sneer when he saw the torn pages of the book.
Jeer
Group mockery.
The audience jeered the performer off the stage.
Sneer
Expression showing disdain.
With a sneer, she dismissed their amateur efforts.
Jeer
A mocking or derisive shout.
The crowd jeered at the losing team.
Sneer
A look indicating sarcasm.
He responded with a sneer to the absurd suggestion.
Jeer
A loud, rude remark.
They jeered his mistake in the presentation.
Sneer
Silent mockery.
His sneer conveyed all he thought about the proposal.
Jeer
Vocal expression of disapproval.
The unpopular decision was met with jeers.
Sneer
A sneer is a facial expression of scorn or disgust characterized by a slight raising of one corner of the upper lip, known also as curling the lip or turning up the nose. In The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals, Charles Darwin defined a "sneer" as "the upper lip being retracted in such a manner that the canine tooth on one side of the face alone is shown" Darwin related the sneer to the snarl observed in non-human animals, particularly carnivores, observing that: The uncovering of the canine tooth is the result of a double movement.
Jeer
Laugh at with contempt and derision;
The crowd jeered at the speaker
Sneer
A scornful facial expression characterized by a slight raising of one corner of the upper lip.
Jeer
To speak or shout derisively; mock.
Sneer
A scornful tone or statement.
Jeer
To abuse vocally; taunt
Jeered the speaker off the stage.
Sneer
To assume a scornful or derisive facial expression.
Jeer
A scoffing or taunting remark or shout.
Sneer
To speak in a scornful or derisive manner.
Jeer
A mocking remark or reflection.
Sneer
To utter with a sneer or in a sneering manner.
Jeer
(nautical) A gear; a tackle.
Sneer
(intransitive) To raise a corner of the upper lip slightly, especially in scorn
Jeer
An assemblage or combination of tackles, for hoisting or lowering the yards of a ship.
Sneer
(transitive) To utter with a grimace or contemptuous expression; to say sneeringly.
To sneer fulsome lies at a person
"Now here's someone who should attend privilege workshops," sneered she.
Jeer
To utter sarcastic or mocking comments; to speak with mockery or derision; to use taunting language.
Sneer
A facial expression where one slightly raises one corner of the upper lip, generally indicating scorn.
Jeer
To mock; treat with mockery; to taunt.
Sneer
A display of contempt; scorn.
Jeer
A gear; a tackle.
Sneer
To show contempt by turning up the nose, or by a particular facial expression.
Jeer
A railing remark or reflection; a scoff; a taunt; a biting jest; a flout; a jibe; mockery.
Midas, exposed to all their jeers,Had lost his art, and kept his ears.
Sneer
To inssinuate contempt by a covert expression; to speak derisively.
I could be content to be a little sneared at.
Jeer
To utter sarcastic or scoffing reflections; to speak with mockery or derision; to use taunting language; to scoff; as, to jeer at a speaker.
But when he saw her toy and gibe and jeer.
Sneer
To show mirth awkwardly.
And sneers as learnedly as they,Like females o'er their morning tea.
Midas, exposed to all their jeers,Had lost his art, and kept his ears.
The fop, with learning at defiance,Scoffs at the pedant and science.
Jeer
To treat with scoffs or derision; to address with jeers; to taunt; to flout; to mock at.
And if we can not jeer them, we jeer ourselves.
Sneer
To utter with a grimace or contemptuous expression; to utter with a sneer; to say sneeringly; as, to sneer fulsome lies at a person.
"A ship of fools," he sneered.
Jeer
Showing your contempt by derision
Sneer
To treat with sneers; to affect or move by sneers.
Nor sneered nor bribed from virtue into shame.
Sneer
The act of sneering.
Sneer
A smile, grin, or contortion of the face, indicative of contempt; an indirect expression or insinuation of contempt.
Sneer
A facial expression of contempt or scorn; the upper lip curls
Sneer
A contemptuous or scornful remark
Sneer
Express through a scornful smile;
She sneered her contempt
Sneer
Smile contemptuously;
She sneered at her little sister's efforts to play the song on the piano
Common Curiosities
What is the primary difference between a sneer and a jeer?
A sneer is a scornful facial expression, while a jeer is a mocking vocal expression.
Which is more likely to occur in a crowd?
Jeering is more common in crowds and group interactions.
Can sneer and jeer be used interchangeably?
No, they are used in different contexts; sneer refers to a facial expression, while jeer refers to vocal mockery.
Can sneering be silent?
Yes, sneering is typically silent, relying solely on facial expressions.
Who might be the target of a jeer?
Anyone publicly performing or presenting can be a target of jeering, especially if perceived negatively by an audience.
How can jeering affect an event?
Jeering can disrupt events and create a hostile environment.
Is jeering always loud?
Generally, jeering is loud and intended to be heard, especially in group settings.
Can a person sneer and jeer at the same time?
It's possible, though rare, as one involves a facial expression and the other a vocal expression.
What emotions are associated with jeering?
Jeering is associated with ridicule, mockery, and sometimes aggression.
What scenario typically involves sneering?
Sneering is often seen in personal confrontations or subtle social interactions.
How does sneering convey emotions?
Sneering conveys emotions like disdain and contempt through facial gestures.
Is sneering considered rude?
Yes, sneering is considered rude as it shows scorn and disrespect.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Incongruent vs. Incongruous
Next Comparison
Event vs. TransactionAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
