mocking laugh

USAGE SUMMARY

"mocking laugh" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a laugh which expresses ridicule of someone or something. For example, "The politician’s comment was met with a mocking laugh from the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"Here we have the freedom to walk," she said with a mocking laugh.

The Guardian

She widens her eyes and laughs her dirty, mocking laugh again.

The Guardian

Somebody said to me the other day, all of 'soap' is thrilled about it". She widens her eyes and laughs her dirty, mocking laugh again.

The Guardian

Let's prevent this musical injustice now!" Of course this could all be one big mocking laugh at the annual fiasco over headliners, in which case kudos to you Felicity for highlighting how silly it all is.

Independent

Not a mocking laugh but a fluttery, delighted laugh.

The New Yorker

As for suggestions by President Bush and other American officials that American troops would be cheered by crowds if they entered Baghdad, Mr. Aziz gave a mocking laugh.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Several young white women voiced their dedication to integration - one even invited mocking laughs by saying in all innocence, "Some of my best friends are blacks" - and admitted they were frightened by Mr. Farrakhan's prediction of an explosion.

The New York Times - Arts

Its official premiere was well received, and Ms. Gainsbourg won an acting award, but the film nonetheless became synonymous with a raucous press screening that drew boos and mocking laughs.

The New York Times

Windows users will be mocked, laughed at, turned away at cafés, forced to convert to OS X and to apologize publicly for their sins.

Forbes

His rationale was his accusation that Wilders had "denigrat[ed]" Islam, and that that anyone who "mocks, laughs or degrades Islam" as Wilders had must be killed "by chopping off his head".

Wikipedia

You may be mocked, laughed at and persecuted.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mocking laugh", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is being ridiculed. The phrase is most effective when the target of the mockery is evident.

Common error

Avoid using "mocking laugh" when the intention is playful teasing or lighthearted banter. The phrase carries a strong connotation of disdain, which may not be appropriate in all situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mocking laugh" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "mocking" modifies the noun "laugh". It describes a specific type of laughter characterized by ridicule. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

The Guardian - Books

5%

Less common in

Huffington Post

5%

The New Yorker

3%

The New York Times

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mocking laugh" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe laughter infused with ridicule or scorn. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English and effectively conveys contempt. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, "mocking laugh" serves to highlight instances where laughter is used as a tool for derision. While appropriate in many situations, careful consideration should be given to the context, as its strong emotional charge may not always be suitable, especially in formal or professional settings. Alternatives such as "derisive laughter" or "scornful chuckle" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

derisive laughter

Emphasizes the contemptuous nature of the laughter.

contemptuous laugh

Emphasizes the feeling of contempt in the laugh.

scornful chuckle

Highlights a quiet, but disdainful laugh.

ridiculing laughter

Highlights the act of making someone or something seem foolish.

cynical guffaw

Suggests a loud laugh filled with skepticism.

disdainful snicker

Emphasizes a suppressed laugh expressing dislike.

sarcastic giggle

Implies a playful but cutting laugh.

taunting laughter

Focuses on the act of provoking someone with laughter.

sneering laugh

Suggests a laugh expressing disrespect or a lack of approval.

ironic laugh

Focuses on the use of irony in the laughter.

FAQs

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

You can use "mocking laugh" to describe laughter that expresses contempt or ridicule. For example: "Her suggestion was met with a "mocking laugh" from the committee."

What's a good alternative to "mocking laugh"?

Alternatives include "derisive laughter", "scornful chuckle", or "cynical guffaw", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "mocking laugh" and "sarcastic laugh"?

"Mocking laugh" implies direct ridicule or contempt, while a "sarcastic laugh" may be more subtle and use irony to convey its meaning. The "sarcastic giggle" is a close alternative.

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

While grammatically correct, "mocking laugh" carries a strong emotional charge and should be used judiciously in formal writing. Consider more neutral alternatives if the goal is to maintain a detached tone.