bawdy laughter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bawdy laughter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe laughter that is humorous in a crude or indecent way, often associated with sexual innuendos or risqué jokes. Example: "The comedian's performance was filled with bawdy laughter, leaving the audience both shocked and amused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It mines the primeval darkness of life and death in harrowing theatrical physical imagery yet is also capable of the dramatic equivalent of raucous, often bawdy laughter.

The New York Times - Arts

Soon afterwards, a thoughtful ramble by Jessica on folk music, particularly its oral tradition, is derailed by Milly and Emily's bawdy laughter.

The Guardian - Music

Men with hair on their chests toyed with iron buckets and steam, rifles spat in the rifle ranges, and from the open doors of the barrooms came the bawdy laughter of a race that dies hard.

The New Yorker

Her "Domestic Goddess" routine, delivered in that flat, mean-as-a-snake voice and punctuated by her occasional burst of bawdy laughter, was inimitable, and it led her quickly to one of the most original and successful sitcoms in history.

The New York Times - Arts

At live shows, Adele's on-stage banter has become justifiably famous, and most of it is like this, generous and filthy, broken up by bawdy laughter and what-am-I-likes.

The Guardian - Music

It's also a coming-of-age rite of passage in the lives of many Portlanders and a place where bachelorette parties are thrown down with shots of booze and bawdy laughter.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

So when we finally fled the chai shop, to a chorus of laughter and bawdy remarks, her mood changed.

The New Yorker

Like other black churches, Trinity's services are full of raucous laughter and sometimes bawdy humor.

The New York Times

Yet, insisting on laughter in the midst of desperation, he sugars the pill of criticism with humour that veers from the gently ironic to the bawdy or macabre.

The Economist

Is it bawdy?

The New Yorker

Scary parts and bawdy bits.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bawdy laughter" to vividly depict situations where humor is unrestrained and potentially off-color, adding depth to character portrayals and scene settings.

Common error

Avoid using "bawdy laughter" in formal or professional contexts where decorum is expected, as its risqué connotations can be misconstrued as inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bawdy laughter" functions as a noun phrase where "bawdy" acts as an adjective modifying "laughter". As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes a specific kind of laughter characterized by its crudeness and indelicacy.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bawdy laughter" is a noun phrase employed to describe humor that is crude, indecent, or vulgarly humorous. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and most frequently found in News & Media contexts. Its primary function is descriptive, aimed at evoking a specific atmosphere or characterizing certain types of humor. While vivid and expressive, it's important to exercise caution in formal settings where such language may be deemed inappropriate. Consider alternatives like "risqué laughter" or "raunchy laughter" to fine-tune the intended nuance. The phrase's uncommon usage suggests it's best reserved for situations where its specific connotation is precisely desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

risqué laughter

Emphasizes the potentially offensive or shocking nature of the laughter.

raunchy laughter

Highlights the crude and sexually suggestive nature of the laughter.

rude laughter

Focuses on the impolite or offensive quality of the laughter.

earthy laughter

Suggests a more natural, unrefined, and perhaps vulgar type of humor.

vulgar laughter

Directly points out the lack of refinement or good taste in the humor.

lewd laughter

Emphasizes the overtly sexual and inappropriate nature of the laughter.

indecent laughter

Highlights that the laughter violates standards of modesty or propriety.

boisterous laughter

Shifts focus to the loud, energetic, and unrestrained quality of the laughter, which may stem from bawdy jokes.

coarse laughter

Highlights the rough and unrefined quality of the laughter.

ribald laughter

This alternative specifically relates to the laughter being humorous in a coarse, vulgar, or lewd way.

FAQs

What does "bawdy laughter" mean?

"Bawdy laughter" refers to laughter that is crude, indecent, or humorously vulgar, often related to sexual matters or bodily functions.

What are some synonyms for "bawdy laughter"?

Synonyms for "bawdy laughter" include "risqué laughter", "raunchy laughter", or "rude laughter", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "bawdy laughter" in formal writing?

No, "bawdy laughter" is generally not appropriate for formal writing. It's better suited for creative writing, informal settings, or when describing a particular atmosphere or character.

How can I use "bawdy laughter" in a sentence?

You can use "bawdy laughter" to describe a scene or character, such as: "The tavern was filled with the sound of "bawdy laughter" as the jokes grew increasingly outrageous."