a cutting laugh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cutting laugh" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a laugh that is sharp, incisive, or has a biting quality, often implying mockery or derision. Example: "Her cutting laugh echoed through the room, leaving everyone feeling uneasy about the joke she had just made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take a cutting knife.

WikiHow

Obtain a cutting board.

WikiHow

Plant a cutting.

WikiHow

A cutting board.

WikiHow

Set on a cutting board.

WikiHow

Lay out a cutting board.

WikiHow

Place a pancake on a cutting board.

WikiHow

I was laughing at a joke while cutting a board on a table saw.

The New Yorker

It has, he says, been a bit of a slog: "Let's just say I've had a hard time cutting it," he laughs.

The Guardian

"That was hard," Janet Bergeson said, abruptly cutting off a laugh.

The New York Times

This was Andy Zaltzman, a great, tall man with an electrified Einstein hairdo and a cutting, political-satirical act that got its laughs per minute.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cutting laugh" to describe laughter that is sharp, cynical, or intended to diminish or ridicule someone. It's most effective when depicting characters with a dark or sarcastic sense of humor.

Common error

Avoid using "a cutting laugh" to simply describe loud or boisterous laughter. The phrase implies a specific intention to wound or mock, not just general amusement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cutting laugh" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. The adjective "cutting" modifies the noun "laugh", indicating a specific quality or characteristic of the laughter. This phrase often adds emotional color to the sentence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cutting laugh" is a descriptive phrase that depicts laughter with a sharp, often derisive, quality. It suggests that the laugh is intended to mock or wound. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, its usage is relatively uncommon, primarily appearing in News & Media and Wiki contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of its negative connotations and ensure it aligns with the intended tone and context of your writing. Alternatives like "a scornful laugh" or "a derisive laugh" may offer similar nuances, depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a scornful laugh

Replaces "cutting" with "scornful", emphasizing the contemptuous nature of the laugh.

a derisive laugh

Uses "derisive" instead of "cutting", highlighting the mocking intent of the laughter.

a sardonic laugh

Substitutes "cutting" with "sardonic", focusing on the cynical or mocking quality of the laugh.

a biting laugh

Replaces "cutting" with "biting", suggesting a sharp or hurtful quality in the laughter.

a sharp laugh

Uses "sharp" instead of "cutting", emphasizing the abrupt and piercing nature of the laugh.

a cynical laugh

Replaces "cutting" with "cynical", focusing on the pessimistic or distrustful nature of the laughter.

a mocking laugh

Uses "mocking" instead of "cutting", highlighting the ridiculing intent of the laughter.

a sarcastic laugh

Substitutes "cutting" with "sarcastic", focusing on the ironic or satirical quality of the laugh.

an ironic laugh

Replaces "cutting" with "ironic", emphasizing the implied discrepancy between what is said and what is actually meant.

a taunting laugh

Uses "taunting" instead of "cutting", highlighting the provoking or teasing nature of the laughter.

FAQs

How can I use "a cutting laugh" in a sentence?

You can use "a cutting laugh" to describe a laugh that is sharp, derisive, or intended to belittle someone. For example, "Her "a cutting laugh" made him feel small and insignificant".

What's the difference between "a cutting laugh" and "a hearty laugh"?

"A cutting laugh" implies sarcasm or mockery, while "a hearty laugh" suggests genuine amusement and warmth. One wounds, the other welcomes.

What are some synonyms for "a cutting laugh"?

Alternatives to "a cutting laugh" include "a scornful laugh", "a derisive laugh", or "a sardonic laugh", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a cutting laugh" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a cutting laugh" carries a negative connotation and is best used in contexts where you want to convey sarcasm, cynicism, or mockery. It may not be suitable for all formal writing situations.