This is the 11509th most frequent French word.
ricaner
To snigger or sneer mockingly.
Here, 'ricaner' is used to describe a mocking or derisive laugh, often at someone else's misfortune.
Elle ne pouvait s'empêcher de ricaner en le voyant trébucher.
She couldn't help but snicker when seeing him stumble.
In this sentence, 'ricaner' conveys a light-hearted and mischievous laugh in response to a humorous event.
Les élèves ricanèrent en entendant la plaisanterie du professeur.
The students snickered upon hearing the teacher's joke.
The usage of 'ricaner' here reflects an act of laughter used as a defense mechanism or a means of concealing feelings.