Laughter is a universal language that brings joy, lightens moods, and strengthens connections. Whether it’s a quiet chuckle or a belly laugh, these idioms capture different ways people express amusement.
1. Burst Out Laughing
Meaning: To start laughing suddenly and loudly.
Example: “When he slipped on the banana peel, we all burst out laughing.”
Tone: Expressive, spontaneous.
Other ways to say it: Crack up, roar with laughter.
2. Have a Laugh
Meaning: To enjoy a moment of humor or fun.
Example: “We always have a laugh when we get together.”
Tone: Casual, friendly.
Other ways to say it: Share a joke, enjoy a laugh.
3. Crack Up
Meaning: To laugh uncontrollably.
Example: “His joke was so funny that I cracked up instantly.”
Tone: Playful, exaggerated.
Other ways to say it: Die laughing, be in stitches.
4. Be in Stitches
Meaning: To laugh so hard that it hurts.
Example: “That stand-up comedy show had me in stitches!”
Tone: Extreme, humorous.
Other ways to say it: Roll on the floor laughing, double over laughing.
5. Laugh One’s Head Off
Meaning: To laugh very loudly and for a long time.
Example: “The prank was so hilarious that I laughed my head off.”
Tone: Intense, exaggerated.
Other ways to say it: Howl with laughter, roar with laughter.
6. Die Laughing
Meaning: To laugh so much that it feels overwhelming.
Example: “That meme was so funny, I nearly died laughing.”
Tone: Hyperbolic, playful.
Other ways to say it: Crack up, be in stitches.
7. Roll on the Floor Laughing
Meaning: To laugh uncontrollably, often exaggerated.
Example: “The joke was so good, we were rolling on the floor laughing.”
Tone: Playful, extreme.
Other ways to say it: Be in stitches, laugh out loud.
8. Giggle Like a Schoolgirl
Meaning: To laugh in a silly or immature way.
Example: “She giggled like a schoolgirl when he complimented her.”
Tone: Playful, teasing.
Other ways to say it: Titter, snicker.
9. Laugh Out Loud (LOL)
Meaning: To laugh audibly.
Example: “That joke was so good, I actually laughed out loud!”
Tone: Modern, informal.
Other ways to say it: Crack up, burst out laughing.
10. Chuckle to Oneself
Meaning: To laugh quietly and privately.
Example: “He chuckled to himself while reading a funny text.”
Tone: Subtle, reserved.
Other ways to say it: Snicker, grin.
11. Snicker Behind Someone’s Back
Meaning: To laugh quietly, often at someone else’s expense.
Example: “The students snickered behind the teacher’s back.”
Tone: Secretive, mischievous.
Other ways to say it: Titter, giggle.
12. Cackle Like a Witch
Meaning: To laugh in a loud, harsh way.
Example: “Her evil plan made her cackle like a witch.”
Tone: Exaggerated, theatrical.
Other ways to say it: Shriek with laughter, laugh maniacally.
13. Split One’s Sides Laughing
Meaning: To laugh so hard it feels like your sides might burst.
Example: “I was splitting my sides laughing at that joke.”
Tone: Hyperbolic, dramatic.
Other ways to say it: Be in stitches, laugh until you cry.
14. Tickle Someone’s Funny Bone
Meaning: To make someone laugh.
Example: “That comedian really tickled my funny bone.”
Tone: Playful, lighthearted.
Other ways to say it: Make someone laugh, amuse someone.
15. Grin from Ear to Ear
Meaning: To smile or laugh widely with joy.
Example: “He grinned from ear to ear when he heard the joke.”
Tone: Happy, warm.
Other ways to say it: Beam, smile broadly.
16. Have the Last Laugh
Meaning: To be victorious in a situation where others doubted you.
Example: “They mocked his idea, but he had the last laugh when it succeeded.”
Tone: Triumphant, clever.
Other ways to say it: Prove them wrong, laugh at the doubters.
17. A Barrel of Laughs
Meaning: A very funny or entertaining experience.
Example: “That party was a barrel of laughs from start to finish.”
Tone: Fun, lighthearted.
Other ways to say it: Hilarious, a riot.
18. Laugh Up One’s Sleeve
Meaning: To secretly be amused at someone else’s expense.
Example: “He was laughing up his sleeve when his rival failed.”
Tone: Sneaky, mischievous.
Other ways to say it: Chuckle privately, smirk.
19. A Laughing Stock
Meaning: Someone who is ridiculed by others.
Example: “His failed stunt made him the laughing stock of the school.”
Tone: Embarrassing, unfortunate.
Other ways to say it: A joke, a subject of ridicule.
20. No Laughing Matter
Meaning: A serious issue that shouldn’t be joked about.
Example: “Losing your job is no laughing matter.”
Tone: Serious, firm.
Other ways to say it: A serious situation, nothing to joke about.
21. Force a Laugh
Meaning: To pretend to find something funny.
Example: “She forced a laugh at his terrible joke to be polite.”
Tone: Awkward, insincere.
Other ways to say it: Fake a laugh, laugh reluctantly.
Conclusion
Laughter is a powerful way to connect with others, relieve stress, and find joy in life. These idioms capture different shades of humor, from genuine amusement to sneaky chuckles.
