violent laugh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "violent laugh" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a laugh that is intense, aggressive, or unsettling, often conveying a sense of malice or cruelty. Example: "His violent laugh echoed through the empty hall, sending chills down my spine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The gate swings open to reveal "empty night and stars," and a "cruel and violent laugh" rings out over the scene.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

At school, you might be told on, if you talk about violent jokes -- or laugh at someone who got hurt -- or wear your scars.

WikiHow

A violent man has made a laughing stock of our prison system".

Independent

But no amount of Stallone giving his best I'm-thinking grimace can match the gleeful twinkle in his '80s marquee rival's eyes for getting to be violent and nail all the laughs.

Los Angeles Times

I get out of bed, I help raise our kids and run our household, I laugh, tell jokes, watch violent movies, listen to music and go to concerts.

The New York Times

Don't get violent as this will make them laugh at you.

WikiHow

Violent men die violently.

The New Yorker

People eating, laughing, I found that violent".

The Guardian - Arts

The first time I read a violent remark directed at me, I laughed nervously.

The Guardian - Sport

[Laughs] "Life Aquatic" was violent.

Huffington Post

They end up talking at length about mortality; mostly, though, Seinfeld laughs so much, and with such violent delight, that we keep seeing his molars.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "violent laugh", ensure the context clearly establishes the intensity and potentially malicious nature of the laughter. It's most effective when describing a character's inner state or creating a specific atmosphere of tension or unease.

Common error

Avoid using "violent laugh" too frequently, as it can become cliché. Consider using alternative descriptions of laughter or focusing on the character's actions and expressions to convey the same meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "violent laugh" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "violent" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "laugh". As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and found in real-world sources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "violent laugh" is a grammatically correct phrase, according to Ludwig AI, used to describe an intense, aggressive, or unsettling form of laughter. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts and serves to evoke a strong emotional response, often suggesting malice or instability. While not exceedingly common, it can be a powerful tool in writing when used appropriately. When using the phrase, consider the context and the potential for overuse, exploring alternative descriptions for variety and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maniacal laughter

Replaces "violent" with "maniacal", emphasizing the deranged or insane quality of the laughter.

cruel chuckle

Substitutes "laugh" with "chuckle" and "violent" with "cruel", highlighting the malicious intent behind the sound.

savage guffaw

Replaces "laugh" with "guffaw" and "violent" with "savage", intensifying the wild and uncontrolled nature of the laughter.

derisive snort

Changes "laugh" to "snort" and "violent" to "derisive", focusing on the mocking and contemptuous aspect.

bitter laugh

Replaces "violent" with "bitter", conveying a sense of resentment or sadness mixed with the laughter.

hateful cackle

Substitutes "laugh" with "cackle" and "violent" with "hateful", emphasizing the malevolent and spiteful nature.

fierce burst of laughter

Rephrases as a "burst of laughter" described as "fierce", focusing on the intensity and suddenness.

unhinged laughter

Uses "unhinged" instead of "violent" to suggest a loss of control and sanity in the laughter.

aggressive chortle

Combines "aggressive" with "chortle" to portray a forceful and somewhat stifled laugh.

mocking laughter

Emphasizes the ridiculing aspect of the laughter, suggesting a taunting and scornful sound.

FAQs

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

You can use "violent laugh" to describe a laugh that is intense, aggressive, or unsettling. For example, "The villain's violent laugh echoed through the castle halls."

What can I say instead of "violent laugh"?

You can use alternatives like "maniacal laughter", "cruel chuckle", or "savage guffaw" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What connotations does "violent laugh" have?

"Violent laugh" often suggests malice, cruelty, or a disturbed mental state. It implies that the laughter is not simply jovial but has an aggressive or unsettling quality.

Is "violent laugh" a common phrase?

While grammatically correct, "violent laugh" isn't exceedingly common. Using it sparingly can add impact to your writing, but overuse may make it sound cliché. Consider alternatives for variety.