cynical laugh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cynical laugh" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a laugh that expresses disbelief, skepticism, or a lack of faith in something, often in a mocking or derisive manner. Example: "When he heard the news, he let out a cynical laugh, as if he couldn't believe anyone would fall for such a story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He bobbed his head and gave a cynical laugh.

The New Yorker

I relax a bit now that he's no longer laughing his cynical laugh.

The New Yorker

"That is," Urin says, with a deeply cynical laugh, "if I'm still working here".

The New Yorker

I gave a cynical laugh and pointed out that people camped out all night to get tickets.

The New York Times

Here in Lagos, my kidnapper just has to pop me in the head and toss my body on the road and laugh his cynical laugh.

The New Yorker

Mr. Gardner's incapacitated Nick gets vast comic mileage out of an increasingly wry, cynical laugh in the face of a spouse, Ms. Briers's expertly deadpan Jan, whose sympathies were long ago spent.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Still there are some good earthy cynical laughs on the way.

Independent

He continued, "We thought if we could tell the story from inside their experience, then those cynical laughs could be harnessed for greater power".

The New York Times

Shot on location in South Central Los Angeles for Cartoon Network's increasingly dominant late-night Adult Swim lineup, Black Jesus doesn't retell Bible stories, mock the faithful, condemn the skeptical, or traffic in easy, cynical laughs.

Vice

Bo Dietl, a former New York City detective turned media personality, was a recurring presence, a reliable source of cynical and racist laugh lines.

The New Yorker

The cynical will surely laugh at the idea of casting the Bo episode as a struggle over the rule of law in a country where a famous artist like Ai Wei Wei, no less all the unfortunate unknown dissidents, can be abducted and held incommunicado without charge for months.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cynical laugh" to express a sense of disbelief or pessimism, often in response to situations perceived as futile or manipulative. For example, "He gave a "cynical laugh" when the politician promised lower taxes."

Common error

Avoid using "cynical laugh" when the intention is to describe genuine amusement. The phrase carries a negative connotation of distrust or disillusionment, and using it inappropriately can misrepresent the intended emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cynical laugh" functions as a noun phrase, where "cynical" modifies the noun "laugh". It describes a specific type of laughter characterized by disbelief, skepticism, or a general distrust of others' motives. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cynical laugh" describes a specific type of laughter expressing disbelief, skepticism, or disillusionment. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in English. While not exceedingly common, it appears in various contexts, most notably in news and media, with Ludwig indicating that this phrase is correct and usable in English. Related phrases like "skeptical laugh" or "ironic laugh" can offer nuanced alternatives. When using "cynical laugh", ensure that the context genuinely reflects a sense of distrust or pessimism rather than simple amusement. This detailed analysis provides valuable insight into effectively incorporating the phrase "cynical laugh" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skeptical laugh

Replaces "cynical" with "skeptical", emphasizing doubt rather than bitterness.

ironic laugh

Substitutes "cynical" with "ironic", highlighting a contrast between expectation and reality.

sardonic laugh

Uses "sardonic" instead of "cynical", suggesting a more mocking and bitter tone.

mocking laugh

Emphasizes the act of ridicule present in a cynical expression.

derisive laugh

Highlights the contemptuous nature of the laugh.

bitter laugh

Focuses on the underlying resentment or pain driving the cynicism.

disbelieving laugh

Highlights the lack of faith or trust expressed in the laugh.

scornful laugh

Conveys a sense of contempt and disdain.

wry laugh

Suggests a dry, ironic amusement mixed with resignation.

jaded laugh

Implies a world-weary or cynical attitude due to negative experiences.

FAQs

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

You can use "cynical laugh" to describe a laugh that expresses disbelief or a lack of faith in something. For instance, "Upon hearing the company's new policy, she responded with a "cynical laugh"."

What are some alternatives to "cynical laugh"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "skeptical laugh", "ironic laugh", or "sardonic laugh".

Is it appropriate to use "cynical laugh" in formal writing?

While "cynical laugh" is grammatically correct, its use depends on the tone of your writing. In highly formal contexts, consider whether a more neutral or precise term might be more suitable. In general, it's acceptable, especially in news reporting or character descriptions in fiction.

What's the difference between a "cynical laugh" and a "sarcastic laugh"?

A "cynical laugh" typically expresses disbelief or disillusionment, while a "sarcastic laugh" is often used to mock or convey contempt through irony. The former is rooted in pessimism, the latter in mockery.