ugly laughter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ugly laughter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a type of laughter that is perceived as unattractive or unpleasant, often in a humorous or self-deprecating context. Example: "When he told the joke, her ugly laughter filled the room, making everyone else chuckle at her reaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Cue more ugly laughter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Just don't choose anyone too ugly.' [Laughter] A third of the budget was funded by the government, a third is a video package deal they had, so there's only equivalent to $100,000 investment, so they said go ahead and do it.

The Guardian - Film

There is much hearty thigh-slapping laughter on the subject of how ugly female dwarves are.

The Guardian - Film

Good answer "Hey Ugly," I think I called her... and the laughter rolled softly like twin tympanies behind me, and she hiccuped.

The New York Times

Yet there is plenty of joy and laughter to be had in between the ugly crying.

Vice

And that laughter is growing louder and crueller and uglier, as the Twitter response to her fall illustrated.

The Guardian - Opinion

According to Trissino, laughter is aroused by objects that are in some way ugly and especially by that from which better qualities were hoped.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He declared in much-quoted remarks — and to appreciative laughter from the crowd — that "we would treat him pretty ugly down in Texas," and that Mr. Bernanke's monetary policy was "almost treacherous — or treasonous, in my opinion".

The New York Times

Given to bursts of harsh laughter, El Grande proves to be the film's sole shadowy figure, a man whose aggressiveness hides some uglier truths.

The New York Times

Ugly, ugly.

The New York Times - Magazine

Cue laughter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ugly laughter" to vividly portray laughter that is morally repugnant or aesthetically displeasing. This is more impactful than simply saying "unpleasant laughter".

Common error

Avoid using "ugly laughter" to describe merely loud or boisterous laughter. The term carries a strong negative connotation, implying something malicious or deeply unpleasant about the laughter itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ugly laughter" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "ugly" modifies the noun "laughter". It describes a specific quality or characteristic of the laughter, indicating its unpleasant or offensive nature. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ugly laughter" describes laughter perceived as unpleasant or offensive. While grammatically correct and understandable, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's relatively rare. Its primary function is to convey disapproval or disgust, often implying maliciousness or inappropriateness. When using "ugly laughter", consider its strong negative connotation and ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. Alternatives like "unpleasant laughter" or "cruel laughter" may be more suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpleasant laughter

Replaces "ugly" with a more general term for something disagreeable.

offensive laughter

Focuses on the hurtful or inappropriate nature of the laughter.

cruel laughter

Highlights the malicious intent behind the laughter.

callous laughter

Emphasizes the lack of empathy displayed through the laughter.

heartless laughter

Similar to callous, stresses the absence of compassion.

mocking laughter

Specifies that the laughter is intended to ridicule.

derisive laughter

Indicates that the laughter expresses contempt.

inappropriate laughter

Broadly describes laughter that is unsuitable for the situation.

awkward laughter

Focuses on the uncomfortable feeling created by the laughter.

forced laughter

Suggests the laughter is insincere or unnatural.

FAQs

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

You can use "ugly laughter" to describe laughter that is unpleasant and often cruel or mocking. For example: "The bully's "cruel laughter" echoed through the playground as the victim ran away in tears."

What does "ugly laughter" mean?

"Ugly laughter" refers to laughter that is considered unpleasant, often due to its association with cruelty, mockery, or inappropriate circumstances. It's not merely about the sound, but the negative emotions it conveys.

What are some synonyms for "ugly laughter"?

Alternatives for "ugly laughter" include "offensive laughter", "cruel laughter", or "derisive laughter", depending on the specific context and the reason for the laughter being unpleasant.

Is "ugly laughter" a common phrase?

"Ugly laughter" is not a very common phrase, but it is understandable and grammatically correct. Using more common alternatives like "unpleasant laughter" or "callous laughter" might be preferred for broader clarity and understanding.