hollow chuckle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hollow chuckle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a laugh that lacks genuine amusement or joy, often indicating sarcasm or disbelief. Example: "She let out a hollow chuckle, realizing how absurd the situation had become."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

When the suitcase bursts open, the laughter bags erupt in an ensemble hollow chuckle at the salesmen's sorry fate.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

@SPObriggs.

Vice

"We call it Stinky Hollow," he says with a chuckle.

Los Angeles Times

Chuckle, chuckle.

The New York Times - Books

We chuckle.

The New York Times

They chuckle.

The New Yorker

Gentle chuckle.

The New York Times - Arts

SLEEPY HOLLOW Sleepy Hollow High School Juilliard Baroque.

The New York Times

And again: Chuckle… chuckle… titter… guffaw!

BBC

Hollow laughter.

The New York Times

Hollow materialism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hollow chuckle" to depict a character's internal state or reaction when they find something absurd or ironic, but not genuinely amusing. It's effective for conveying a sense of disillusionment or resignation.

Common error

Avoid using "hollow chuckle" too frequently, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Explore synonyms like "dry laugh" or "forced chuckle" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hollow chuckle" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "hollow" modifies the noun "chuckle". It vividly describes the quality of the chuckle, suggesting it lacks sincerity or genuine amusement, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hollow chuckle" is a grammatically sound but relatively uncommon expression used to describe a chuckle lacking genuine amusement or sincerity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it often conveys irony, disillusionment, or resignation. While the phrase is correct, users might consider more common alternatives like "empty laugh" or "forced chuckle" for increased clarity or impact. Its usage is most frequently observed in news media and narratives. While the expression effectively paints a picture of suppressed emotions, overuse should be avoided to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

empty laugh

Focuses on the lack of genuine emotion in the laughter.

forced laugh

Emphasizes the effort required to produce the laugh, suggesting it's not natural.

insincere chuckle

Directly indicates a lack of sincerity in the chuckle.

artificial chuckle

Highlights the unnatural or manufactured quality of the chuckle.

dry chuckle

Suggests a chuckle that is humorless and perhaps sarcastic.

bitter chuckle

Implies the chuckle is tinged with resentment or sadness.

humorless chuckle

Stresses the absence of genuine amusement.

joyless chuckle

Emphasizes the absence of happiness in the chuckle.

mocking chuckle

Suggests the chuckle is intended to ridicule or belittle.

sardonic chuckle

Indicates a cynical or scornful chuckle.

FAQs

How can I use "hollow chuckle" in a sentence?

You can use "hollow chuckle" to describe a laugh that lacks genuine amusement, often indicating sarcasm or disbelief. For example, "She gave a "hollow chuckle" when she heard his excuse".

What's a good alternative to "hollow chuckle"?

Consider using alternatives such as "empty laugh", "forced laugh", or "insincere chuckle" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "hollow chuckle" imply about the person chuckling?

A "hollow chuckle" often suggests that the person is experiencing a lack of genuine amusement or perhaps a sense of disillusionment or resignation. It can also imply sarcasm or a forced attempt at humor.

Is "hollow chuckle" a common expression?

While grammatically correct and understandable, "hollow chuckle" is relatively uncommon. More frequent expressions for similar sentiments include "dry laugh" or "forced laugh".