mocking laughter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mocking laughter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe laughter that is derisive or scornful, often directed at someone or something. Example: "When he stumbled over his words, the audience erupted in mocking laughter, making him feel embarrassed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

The audience snorted in mocking laughter.

The New York Times

The debate, and the bill, died in mocking laughter.

The New York Times

And if electoral rules do not snare a would-be demagogue then mocking laughter probably will.

The Economist

With On Deadly Ground you can at least enjoy peals of mocking laughter.

The Times

As mocking laughter cascaded round her, Ms May ploughed bravely on.

The Guardian

It must be truly miserable to find that lightly mocking laughter is the only kind available.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

But the audience resorted to mock laughter as he recounted his conversation in his Oxfordshire constituency with the BBC's deputy political editor, James Landale.

The Guardian

"I used to stare at them in restaurants, open-mouthed until my little brother said 'Er, Andrea, don't do that,'" she says, emitting a short burst of self-mocking laughter.

The Guardian - Film

Mock laughter accompanies the mock crime.

Stanford University

At one point, supporters of Mr. James who packed the courtroom here even let loose with catcalls, mock laughter and stage whispers, prompting a sharp rebuke from the judge.

The New York Times

When asked, however, she suggested: "Like winter, a cold, fresh scent". She let that idea linger for a moment, then broke into mocking peals of laughter as crystalline as the icicles hanging from the trees.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mocking laughter" to clearly convey a sense of derision or scorn directed towards someone or something. It adds a layer of emotion and intention to the act of laughing, making the context more vivid.

Common error

Avoid using "mocking laughter" when the intention is to describe light-hearted or friendly teasing. Ensure the context clearly indicates derision to avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mocking laughter" functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific type of laughter intended to ridicule or scorn. Ludwig showcases its use in various contexts, often highlighting social or political situations where such laughter arises.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mocking laughter" is a common noun phrase used to describe laughter intended to ridicule or scorn. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase itself is neutral in register, it conveys negative sentiment, emphasizing derision or contempt. Alternatives such as "derisive laughter" or "scornful laughter" can be used to fine-tune the specific nuance. The best practice is to employ this phrase when a clear sense of derision needs to be communicated, avoiding its use in contexts where genuine amusement is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scornful laughter

Emphasizes the feeling of contempt more strongly than the original phrase.

derisive laughter

Focuses on the intent to ridicule or mock.

jeering laughter

Highlights the loud and aggressive nature of the mocking.

taunting laughter

Implies a deliberate attempt to provoke or upset someone.

mocking guffaws

Uses a more exaggerated term for laughter, suggesting boisterous ridicule.

sardonic laughter

Conveys a cynical and bitter form of mockery.

ironic laughter

Highlights the use of irony or sarcasm in the laughter.

disdainful laughter

Stresses a sense of superiority and contempt.

contemptuous laughter

Shows a deep feeling of disapproval and disrespect.

scornful chuckles

Replaces the loud laughter with quieter, more subtle expressions of scorn.

FAQs

How to use "mocking laughter" in a sentence?

You can use "mocking laughter" to describe a situation where people are laughing in a scornful or derisive way. For example, "The politician's awkward response was met with "mocking laughter" from the audience."

What can I say instead of "mocking laughter"?

You can use alternatives like "derisive laughter", "scornful laughter", or "jeering laughter" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "mocking laughter" or "mock laughter"?

"Mocking laughter" is the more common and natural-sounding phrase. "Mock laughter" could be understood, but it's less idiomatic. "Mocking laughter" specifically describes the quality of the laughter itself.

What's the difference between "mocking laughter" and "sarcastic laughter"?

"Mocking laughter" generally implies open derision or scorn. "Sarcastic laughter" suggests that the laughter is used as a vehicle to express sarcasm, which is a form of irony intended to convey contempt or ridicule.