bitter laugh

USAGE SUMMARY

'bitter laugh' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a laugh that conveys bitterness or sarcasm. For example, "She gave a bitter laugh as she remembered the disappointment she had faced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

She gave a quick, bitter laugh.

The New York Times

Or a bitter laugh and a fingertap.

The New York Times

He gives a short, bitter laugh.

The Guardian - Music

LeClair said it with a bitter laugh.

The New York Times - Sports

But Thomas H. Shafer allowed himself a bitter laugh.

The New York Times

He added, with a bitter laugh, "Those who are left".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

There were quite a few bitter laughs of recognition".

Independent

And not surprisingly the presidential election set for April 17th has prompted plenty of bitter laughs.

The Economist

It's like Kes by way of John Carpenter, shot through with bitter laughs.

The Guardian - Film

The author's range of reference is frighteningly vast, and is played, always, for bitter laughs.

The New Yorker

If I am lazy, late, unprepared, angry, bitter, laughing, cross-eyed or crazy, I am a whole race of people".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bitter laugh" to succinctly convey a character's disappointment, resentment, or ironic awareness in a narrative. It adds depth to their emotional state without lengthy exposition.

Common error

Avoid using "bitter laugh" excessively in your writing. Overuse can make characters seem one-dimensional. Consider showing their bitterness through actions or dialogue instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bitter laugh" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "bitter" modifies the noun "laugh". It describes a specific type of laugh characterized by feelings of resentment, disappointment, or irony, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

91%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bitter laugh" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe laughter tinged with resentment, disappointment, or irony. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it succinctly conveys complex emotions. While versatile, overuse should be avoided to maintain the impact of its meaning. Alternatives like "sardonic chuckle" or "ironic laugh" can provide nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ironic laugh

Highlights the sense of irony or incongruity in the laughter, rather than bitterness.

cynical laugh

Focuses on the cynical nature of the laugh, suggesting a distrustful or pessimistic outlook.

sardonic chuckle

Replaces "laugh" with "chuckle" and "bitter" with "sardonic", emphasizing a mocking or cynical tone.

mocking laugh

Highlights the derisive or contemptuous nature of the laugh.

resigned laugh

Conveys a sense of acceptance or inevitability, replacing the bitterness with resignation.

grim chuckle

Implies a cheerless or somber reaction that is expressed as laughter.

hollow laugh

Emphasizes the emptiness or insincerity of the laugh.

disillusioned laugh

Emphasizes the feeling of disappointment or disillusionment behind the laughter.

wry chuckle

Suggests a combination of amusement and ironic detachment, replacing "laugh" with the quieter "chuckle".

forced laugh

Indicates that the laughter is not genuine and is produced out of obligation or discomfort.

FAQs

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

You can use "bitter laugh" to describe a sound expressing irony, resentment, or disappointment. For example, "She gave a "bitter laugh" when she heard the news".

What's a less common synonym for "bitter laugh"?

A less common synonym for "bitter laugh" could be "sardonic chuckle", which emphasizes a mocking or cynical tone.

Is it okay to use "bitter laugh" in formal writing?

Yes, "bitter laugh" is appropriate for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely understood. However, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the tone and register.

What's the difference between a "bitter laugh" and a "sad laugh"?

A "bitter laugh" implies resentment or irony, whereas a "sad laugh" indicates sorrow or unhappiness. The former suggests a more cynical outlook.