deranged laughter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'deranged laughter' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a type of loud, uncontrolled, and seemingly crazed laughter. For example: "The children heard a strange sound coming from the attic - a mixture of screams and deranged laughter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"What's that?" "Give me a piece of chocolate, would you?" He collapsed into a monkey-shudder of deranged laughter.

The New Yorker

Don't try to read them at night while someone else is sleeping unless your relationship can survive frequent wakings by deranged laughter.

The Guardian - Books

For I see nothing amiss and I am a master of perception!!" "The cucaine!" I stammered, "'Tis less than a day since 'twas proscribed and more than a week's proscription is already missing!" My bewilderment only grew, for my commentary was answered by somewhat deranged laughter from Holmes.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I'm not deranged.

The New Yorker

They seemed deranged.

The New Yorker

This person is really deranged".

The New Yorker

This, however, is technique deranged.

The New York Times - Arts

This proposal was truly deranged.

The New York Times

"Ma's deranged," she said.

The New Yorker

It was absolutely deranged.

The Guardian

He appeared deranged.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deranged laughter" to vividly depict a character's mental state or a scene's unsettling atmosphere. It's particularly effective in fiction, especially horror or psychological thrillers.

Common error

Avoid using "deranged laughter" in everyday situations. Its intensity is better suited for scenarios where extreme emotional or mental states are being portrayed, otherwise, it might sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deranged laughter" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "deranged" modifies the noun "laughter". As noted by Ludwig AI, it effectively describes a specific kind of laughter associated with mental instability or mania. Examples provided by Ludwig showcase it's usage in narrative contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deranged laughter" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe laughter that sounds insane or uncontrolled. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively rare, its specific and intense connotation makes it suitable for dramatic or narrative contexts, particularly in News & Media, as reflected in the provided examples. When choosing alternatives, consider the subtle differences in meaning between phrases like ""maniacal laughter"" or ""crazed laughter"" to best fit your intended tone and imagery. Avoid overusing "deranged laughter" in casual settings to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maniacal laughter

Focuses on the wild and uncontrolled nature of the laughter.

crazed laughter

Emphasizes the irrational and possibly insane quality of the laughter.

insane laughter

Directly suggests the laughter is a sign of mental instability.

hysterical laughter

Highlights the uncontrolled and potentially overwhelming nature of the laughter.

unhinged laughter

Suggests the laughter comes from someone who is mentally unstable or disturbed.

lunatic laughter

Implies the laughter is characteristic of someone who is mad or mentally ill.

demented laughter

Focuses on the impaired mental state underlying the laughter.

wild laughter

Highlights the unrestrained and excessive nature of the laughter.

uncontrollable laughter

Emphasizes the inability to stop or manage the laughter.

disturbed laughter

Suggests the laughter is a sign of emotional or psychological distress.

FAQs

How to use "deranged laughter" in a sentence?

"Deranged laughter" is used to describe laughter that sounds insane, uncontrolled, or manic. Example: "The sound of "maniacal laughter" echoed through the empty house.

What can I say instead of "deranged laughter"?

You can use alternatives like "crazed laughter", "maniacal laughter", or "insane laughter", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What kind of imagery does "deranged laughter" evoke?

"Deranged laughter" typically evokes imagery of madness, instability, and a loss of control. It can suggest a character is experiencing a mental breakdown or is inherently malevolent.

Is "deranged laughter" a common phrase?

While grammatically correct, "deranged laughter" isn't as commonly used as simpler alternatives like "uncontrollable laughter" or "wild laughter". Its intensity makes it more suitable for specific, dramatic contexts.