manic laughter

USAGE SUMMARY

"manic laughter" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe laughter that is excessively energetic or uncontrollable, often associated with excitement or distress. Example: Her manic laughter echoed through the empty halls, unsettling everyone who heard it. Alternative expressions include "hysterical laughter" and "wild laughter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

(As for Mifune, his performance now feels overwrought, spiked with manic laughter and unprompted writhings).

The New Yorker

Punctuated by manic laughter, their mordant exchanges become increasingly poignant and comical.

The Guardian

The track also features manic laughter and a part that opens into a starburst of synthy colours and flavours.

The Guardian - Music

He described Mr. Crick's animated conversation, his manic laughter, his habit, infuriating to colleagues, of pumping them for their data and showing them what it meant.

The New York Times

Osborne went on: "It is the determined policy of this government to keep Wallace and Gromit exactly where they are!" The Commons collapsed in manic laughter.

The Guardian

"No!" cried David, and, after his unforgettable, manic laughter had echoed round his studio, he provided his image, and I banged out a story to go with it.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Pearson's jokes have a manic, hyperbolic quality, laughter that might at any moment tip over into tears.

The Guardian - Books

Weldon watched Ray and hardly said a word, as Morsel grew more manic, jiggling with laughter and enthusiasm at each lighthearted remark.

The New Yorker

Then one of the best restaurants in London – chef-patron Nico Ladenis was striving towards his third Michelin star – Nico at Ninety was not the kind of place where you'd hammer on the crockery or express approval with manic bursts of laughter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In spite of all the manic high jinks, the laughter here arises not from confusion and hysteria, but from complacency, which is not as funny.

The New York Times

As for the laughter, it had a manic sound.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "manic laughter" – it often suggests an underlying instability or heightened emotional state, so use it judiciously.

Common error

Avoid using "manic laughter" to describe ordinary amusement. This phrase carries strong connotations of intensity and potential instability, making it unsuitable for casual or lighthearted situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "manic laughter" is to act as a noun phrase, where "manic" modifies the noun "laughter". It serves to describe a specific type of laughter, emphasizing its intensity and potential lack of control. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically correct and appropriate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Arts

17%

Lifestyle

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "manic laughter" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively portrays intense, often uncontrolled laughter. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for describing heightened emotional states in diverse contexts, as shown through examples from The Guardian, The New Yorker, and The New York Times. While it's crucial to use the phrase thoughtfully, recognizing its potential to suggest instability, "manic laughter" remains a vivid and expressive tool for writers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hysterical laughter

Implies extreme and uncontrolled laughter, often bordering on emotional distress.

uncontrollable laughter

Highlights the lack of restraint in the laughter.

wild laughter

Suggests unrestrained and boisterous laughter.

crazed laughter

Emphasizes the possibly deranged or irrational nature of the laughter.

demented laughter

Suggests a state of mental instability reflected in the laughter.

frenzied laughter

Indicates a state of agitation and excitement accompanying the laughter.

unhinged laughter

Suggests a loss of mental composure reflected in the laughter.

deranged laughter

Highlights the mental instability and possible insanity behind the laughter.

unrestrained guffaws

Emphasizes the lack of control and the loud, hearty nature of the laughter.

delirious laughter

Indicates a state of confusion and disorientation accompanying the laughter.

FAQs

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

You can use "manic laughter" to describe a character's reaction in moments of intense emotion, such as "The villain's manic laughter echoed through the castle" or "Her manic laughter betrayed her nervousness during the presentation."

What are some alternative phrases for "manic laughter"?

You can use alternatives like "hysterical laughter", "uncontrollable laughter", or "wild laughter" to describe intense or uncontrolled laughter depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "manic" imply in the context of "manic laughter"?

In the context of "manic laughter", "manic" suggests an excessively excited, agitated, or even deranged state of mind. It indicates that the laughter is not just joyful, but potentially indicative of a loss of control or emotional instability.

Is "manic laughter" always negative?

While "manic laughter" often carries negative connotations due to the association of "manic" with mental instability, it can sometimes be used to describe extreme excitement or joy, though it's crucial to consider the context to avoid misinterpretation.