sharp laughter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp laughter" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe a sudden, loud, uncontrolled burst of laughter. For example: "Everyone in the room silenced abruptly when they heard her sharp laughter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Sharp laughter, sharper comments, news of the boys rapped out with some exultation.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Sharp, familiar laughter.

The New Yorker

One sharp stab of laughter.

The Guardian

He gives a short, sharp burst of laughter.

The Guardian

From experience, three things happen the moment that you let it slip that you used to be a figure skater: there is an incredulous pause, a sharp "Really?" and laughter.

The New York Times - Arts

His talk is effervescent and brutally blunt by turns, punctuated by sharp barks of laughter and a goodly sprinkling of "fucks", as he ranges widely – here in a tone appropriate to a biker bar at closing time, here in one more suited to bone-dry academia – on esoteric themes that appeal to him in the moment.

The Guardian - Film

Third, having plowed through J4BM's proposals, there came a sharp decrease in laughter.

Vice

Third, having ploughed through J4BM's proposals, there came a sharp decrease in laughter.

Vice

The late October days are mild rather than bitingly cold and, amid warm laughter and sharp insights, Defoe also confronts the fear of everything he will lose when football ends.

The Guardian - Sport

The last time I saw Gail Dines speak, at a conference in Boston, she moved the audience to tears with her description of the problems caused by pornography, and provoked laughter with her sharp observations about pornographers themselves.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Woodster's laughter has a sharp edge.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp laughter" to vividly depict a sudden, often cutting or derisive outburst of laughter. It's effective when you want to convey not just the sound, but also the emotional impact or the intent behind the laughter.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp laughter" when describing genuinely joyous or light-hearted moments. The adjective "sharp" carries a connotation of abruptness or even cruelty, which is unsuitable for positive emotions. Consider using "hearty laughter" or "spontaneous laughter" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp laughter" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "sharp" modifies the noun "laughter". It serves to describe the quality or characteristic of the laughter, indicating its sudden, cutting, or scornful nature. Ludwig shows examples of this usage in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sharp laughter" is a phrase used to describe a distinct kind of laughter characterized by its suddenness and often negative emotional undertones. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is valid and commonly used, particularly in News & Media. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it’s important to consider the emotional implications. The phrase paints a vivid picture of scorn or discomfort. If you are looking to convey joyful amusement you will need an alternative. To avoid misinterpretations, be mindful of the context and intended tone, as "sharp laughter" can easily convey sarcasm or derision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sudden burst of laughter

Replaces the adjective "sharp" with "sudden burst", focusing on the abruptness of the laughter.

piercing laughter

Substitutes "sharp" with "piercing", emphasizing the high-pitched and penetrating quality of the laughter.

loud guffaw

Replaces "laughter" with a more specific and louder type of laughter, a "guffaw".

shrill laughter

Replaces "sharp" with "shrill", indicating a high-pitched and unpleasant sound.

brittle laughter

Replaces "sharp" with "brittle", suggesting a forced or insincere quality to the laughter.

raucous laughter

Replaces "sharp" with "raucous", denoting loud, boisterous laughter that might be disruptive.

icy laughter

Replaces "sharp" with "icy", implying a cold and unfriendly sound.

hearty laughter

Contrasts "sharp" with "hearty", presenting a warm, genuine, and robust form of laughter.

forced chuckle

Changes both the adjective and the noun, indicating a restrained and perhaps insincere laugh.

nervous titter

Substitutes the phrase entirely to suggest a subdued and anxious form of laughter.

FAQs

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

You can use "sharp laughter" to describe a sudden, often scornful or derisive burst of laughter. For example, "Her "sharp laughter" echoed through the room when he made the mistake".

What does "sharp laughter" usually imply?

"Sharp laughter" typically implies a sudden, somewhat unpleasant, and potentially scornful or critical reaction. It's not usually associated with joy or amusement.

What are some alternatives to "sharp laughter"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "sharp laughter" could include "piercing laughter", "brittle laughter", or "icy laughter". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sharp laughter" considered formal or informal language?

"Sharp laughter" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it appears more frequently in narrative or descriptive writing, such as news articles or literary works.