abrupt laugh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abrupt laugh" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden or unexpected laugh, often conveying surprise or a lack of smoothness in the laughter. Example: "Her abrupt laugh caught everyone off guard during the serious discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Last year?" Colonel Ba slapped his knee and laughed his abrupt laugh.

The New Yorker

If these people have one thing in common, it is their tendency to suddenly offer up a gesture of symbolic cheer — an abrupt laugh, a thumbs-up, a half-jig, spirit fingers, girl-power bicep flexing, a just-kidding-guys elbow-to-the-ribs.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He has a smoker's laugh, abrupt and phlegmy, though he gave up cigarettes, and alcohol, more than a decade ago.

The New Yorker

That's much too hard a question for the final question of the interview," he says, punctuating this abrupt conclusion with a laugh.

TechCrunch

They laugh phonetically, too: an abrupt "ha-ha-ha," the way your tormentors do in nightmares.

The New Yorker

He also has, for what it's worth, one of the strangest and unsexiest laughs in America: a kind of abrupt, feminine cackle that is liable to make you jump if you're not expecting it.

The New York Times

Ms. Lévy first heard the symphony in 2007 and said that after the abrupt cut between the sound and the silence, "I had all these conflicting feelings of wanting to laugh and then confusion and then finally deep emotion".

The New York Times - Arts

Well, I say, you can be pretty abrupt – at Blackheath station, she shouted out after me that I was a "patronising git" … She laughs.

The Guardian

Very abrupt," she says.

Independent

"It was very abrupt.

The New York Times

He was very abrupt.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's reaction, use "abrupt laugh" to highlight their surprise or discomfort in a scene. This suggests a lack of genuine amusement.

Common error

Avoid using "abrupt laugh" to describe a joyful or light-hearted moment. This phrase implies a sudden, possibly forced, reaction rather than sincere amusement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abrupt laugh" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying the noun "laugh". It provides information about the nature of the laughter, indicating its suddenness or unexpected quality. Ludwig examples show it characterizing reactions in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "abrupt laugh" is a descriptive term used to characterize laughter that is sudden, unexpected, or possibly insincere. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and primarily appears in News & Media contexts. Given its relatively low frequency, understanding its specific connotation is essential for precise writing. Avoid using "abrupt laugh" to describe genuine amusement. Alternatives such as "sudden burst of laughter" or "unexpected chuckle" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sudden burst of laughter

Focuses on the suddenness and intensity of the laughter.

unexpected chuckle

Highlights the surprise element of the laugh, suggesting it was not anticipated.

short, sharp laugh

Emphasizes the brevity and intensity of the laughter.

startled giggle

Suggests the laugh was a reaction to a sudden surprise.

staccato laugh

Describes a laugh with distinct, separated sounds, resembling staccato notes in music.

unprompted laughter

Implies the laughter occurred without any apparent reason or stimulus.

forced laugh

Suggests the laughter is insincere and not genuinely felt.

nervous titter

Indicates the laughter is a manifestation of anxiety or discomfort.

curt laugh

Highlights the brevity and terseness of the laugh, possibly suggesting impatience.

explosive laugh

Focuses on the sudden and unrestrained nature of the laughter.

FAQs

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

You can use "abrupt laugh" to describe a sudden, often surprised or insincere, expression of laughter. For example, "His "abrupt laugh" after the bad news made everyone uncomfortable."

What's the difference between "abrupt laugh" and "hearty laugh"?

"Abrupt laugh" suggests a sudden or forced reaction, while "hearty laugh" implies genuine, joyful amusement. Choose the phrase that best reflects the character's true feelings.

What can I say instead of "abrupt laugh"?

Alternatives include "sudden burst of laughter", "unexpected chuckle", or "short, sharp laugh" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the laughter.

Is "abrupt laugh" a positive or negative description?

"Abrupt laugh" often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting surprise, discomfort, or insincerity. It's rarely used to describe genuine joy or amusement.