Laughter is a universal expression of joy, amusement, and sometimes even nervousness. It’s a powerful way to connect with others, and through language, we’ve created many idioms for laughing that express different types of laughter.
Whether you’re chuckling softly, roaring with laughter, or snickering mischievously, idioms help add nuance and humor to the way we communicate. In this article, we’ll explore 20 such idioms, giving you new ways to express laughter and perhaps even brighten someone’s day with your words.
Let’s dive into these fun expressions and learn how they can enrich your conversations.
What is an Idiom for Laughing?
An idiom for laughing is a figurative expression or phrase that uses the act of laughing to convey emotions, reactions, or states of mind. These idioms allow us to describe laughter in various forms, from a quiet giggle to an uncontrollable burst of laughter.
By understanding these expressions, you can communicate more vividly and connect with others in a more meaningful way.
List for Idioms for Laughing
1. Burst Out Laughing
2. In Stitches
3. Chuckle
4. Laugh One’s Head Off
5. Rolling on the Floor Laughing
6. Crack Up
7. Giggle
8. Die Laughing
9. Howl with Laughter
10. Bust a Gut
11. Roar with Laughter
12. Belly Laugh
13. Laugh Till You Cry
14. Snicker
15. Titter
16. Cackle
17. Laughing Fit
18. Split Your Sides
19. Have a Good Laugh
20. Laugh Like a Hyena
1. Burst Out Laughing
“Burst out laughing” describes a sudden, uncontrollable laugh that happens without warning.
Definition: To “burst out laughing” means to laugh loudly and spontaneously, often in response to something funny or surprising.
In Sentence: “After hearing the joke, I couldn’t help but burst out laughing.”
Example: A friend made a ridiculous comment in the middle of a serious meeting, and everyone burst out laughing despite trying to stay professional.
Explanation: This idiom is used when someone laughs unexpectedly or without restraint. It’s often linked to a humorous or surprising moment.
Other Ways to Say “Burst Out Laughing”:
- Laugh out loud
- Crack up
- Guffaw
- Break into laughter
- Let out a laugh
2. In Stitches
“In stitches” is an idiom that refers to laughing so hard that it physically hurts.
Definition: If something is so funny that it causes you to laugh uncontrollably, you are said to be “in stitches.”
In Sentence: “That comedy show had me in stitches the entire time!”
Example: Watching a blooper reel of movie mistakes left the entire audience in stitches, wiping tears from their eyes from laughing too hard.
Explanation: This idiom emphasizes how intense the laughter is, often to the point of physical discomfort.
Other Ways to Say “In Stitches”:
- Rolling on the floor laughing
- Laughing till you cry
- Laughing your head off
- Cracking up
- Howling with laughter
3. Chuckle
A “chuckle” refers to a soft, quiet laugh, usually in response to something mildly amusing.
Definition: To “chuckle” means to laugh quietly or softly, often as a reaction to something humorous or amusing.
In Sentence: “He chuckled when he saw his cat trying to chase its own tail.”
Example: As she read the funny text message from her friend, she couldn’t help but chuckle to herself in the middle of a meeting.
Explanation: A chuckle is a small, reserved laugh, often used when something is funny but not overly hilarious.
Other Ways to Say “Chuckle”:
- Giggle
- Snicker
- Smirk
- Snigger
- Soft laugh
4. Laugh One’s Head Off
This idiom exaggerates the act of laughing, making it sound as if someone is laughing so hard that their head might fall off.
Definition: “Laugh one’s head off” means to laugh loudly and uncontrollably.
In Sentence: “I watched the new comedy movie and laughed my head off.”
Example: When she tripped over her shoelaces right before finishing her dance routine, the entire group laughed their heads off at the unexpected moment.
Explanation: This phrase is used to describe deep and hearty laughter that seems endless.
Other Ways to Say “Laugh One’s Head Off”:
- Die laughing
- Crack up
- Howl with laughter
- Burst into laughter
- Roll on the floor laughing
5. Rolling on the Floor Laughing
This idiom describes laughing so hard that you physically react by falling over or rolling around.
Definition: “Rolling on the floor laughing” (often abbreviated as ROFL) means laughing hysterically.
In Sentence: “His joke was so funny that I was rolling on the floor laughing.”
Example: When the stand-up comedian made an unexpected joke, the audience couldn’t control themselves and were rolling on the floor laughing.
Explanation: This phrase is often used to describe a reaction to something incredibly funny, making it seem as if the person has lost control of themselves.
Other Ways to Say “Rolling on the Floor Laughing”:
- Die laughing
- Laugh until you cry
- Howl with laughter
- Cry from laughter
- Break down laughing
6. Crack Up
“Crack up” is an idiom used to describe an uncontrollable burst of laughter.
Definition: To “crack up” means to suddenly start laughing very hard.
In Sentence: “She cracked up when she saw the dog wearing sunglasses.”
Example: During the presentation, his attempt to suppress a sneeze ended in an awkward noise, making the entire team crack up.
Explanation: This idiom is commonly used when something is so unexpectedly funny that it makes people laugh without control.
Other Ways to Say “Crack Up”:
- Burst out laughing
- Double over laughing
- Lose it
- Break up
- Fall apart laughing
7. Giggle
A “giggle” is a high-pitched, light laugh often associated with amusement or nervousness.
Definition: To “giggle” means to laugh in a light, silly, or playful way.
In Sentence: “She giggled when she saw her crush walking by.”
Example: The kids giggled uncontrollably as they shared secrets during recess.
Explanation: Giggles are often quiet, childlike, or playful laughs that happen in response to something cute, amusing, or embarrassing.
Other Ways to Say “Giggle”:
- Titter
- Snicker
- Chortle
- Snigger
- Soft laugh
8. Die Laughing
This idiom is an exaggerated way of describing extreme laughter.
Definition: “Die laughing” means to laugh so hard that it feels as if one might stop breathing.
In Sentence: “That comedy sketch was so funny, I thought I was going to die laughing.”
Example: He told such a ridiculous story that everyone at the table died laughing before they could even finish eating.
Explanation: This phrase is used for laughter that feels almost physically overwhelming, as if it could take one’s breath away.
Other Ways to Say “Die Laughing”:
- Laugh till you cry
- Roll on the floor laughing
- Bust a gut
- Laugh uncontrollably
- Lose control laughing
9. Howl with Laughter
This idiom compares loud, uncontrollable laughter to the howling of a wolf.
Definition: “Howl with laughter” means to laugh very loudly and energetically.
In Sentence: “He told such a hilarious joke that we were howling with laughter.”
Example: The comedian’s perfect timing and delivery had the audience howling with laughter from start to finish.
Explanation: This idiom is used when someone laughs so loudly and openly that it feels like they’re making a howling sound.
Other Ways to Say “Howl with Laughter”:
- Laugh loudly
- Cackle
- Scream with laughter
- Roar with laughter
- Yell with amusement
10. Bust a Gut
“Bust a gut” is an idiom that means laughing so hard it feels physically painful.
Definition: To “bust a gut” means to laugh extremely hard, often to the point of feeling discomfort in the stomach.
In Sentence: “That stand-up routine had me busting a gut the entire night!”
Example: The ridiculous dance challenge made everyone in the group bust a gut, holding their stomachs from laughter.
Explanation: This phrase is often used to describe situations where someone laughs so hard that they feel out of breath or sore.
Other Ways to Say “Bust a Gut”:
- Laugh till your stomach hurts
- Crack up
- Die laughing
- Roll on the floor laughing
- Lose it laughing
11. Roar with Laughter
This idiom likens loud laughter to the sound of a roaring lion.
Definition: “Roar with laughter” means to laugh in a deep, loud, and uncontrollable way.
In Sentence: “The whole crowd roared with laughter at the hilarious joke.”
Example: When she slipped on the ice and landed in the most dramatic way possible, her friends roared with laughter at the unexpected fall.
Explanation: This phrase is often used when laughter is deep, booming, and contagious.
Other Ways to Say “Roar with Laughter”:
- Laugh heartily
- Belly laugh
- Guffaw
- Scream with laughter
- Cackle
12. Belly Laugh
A “belly laugh” is a deep, hearty, and genuine laugh.
Definition: “Belly laugh” refers to a full, loud, and deep laugh that comes from the stomach.
In Sentence: “His joke was so funny, it made me let out a huge belly laugh.”
Example: The baby’s infectious giggles made everyone in the room belly laugh together.
Explanation: This phrase describes laughter that comes from deep within, often when something is genuinely funny.
Other Ways to Say “Belly Laugh”:
- Full laugh
- Deep laugh
- Heartfelt laughter
- Guffaw
- Booming laugh
13. Laugh Till You Cry
This idiom describes laughing so hard that tears start flowing.
Definition: “Laugh till you cry” means to laugh so intensely that tears start forming.
In Sentence: “That prank was so hilarious, I laughed till I cried.”
Example: Watching old home videos of their childhood made them laugh till they cried at all the silly moments.
Explanation: This idiom is used when laughter becomes so overwhelming that it results in tears.
Other Ways to Say “Laugh Till You Cry”:
- Cry from laughter
- Die laughing
- Lose control laughing
- Gasp for breath laughing
- Roll on the floor laughing
14. Snicker
A “snicker” is a half-suppressed, often quiet laugh, usually in response to something mischievous.
Definition: To “snicker” means to laugh quietly, often in a secretive or mocking way.
In Sentence: “He couldn’t help but snicker when he saw the prank unfold.”
Example: During the meeting, someone made a sarcastic remark, and a few colleagues snickered under their breath.
Explanation: A snicker often happens when someone finds something amusing but doesn’t want to laugh out loud, or it can be used to express amusement in a more mischievous way.
Other Ways to Say “Snicker”:
- Chuckle
- Giggle
- Snigger
- Titter
- Guffaw
15. Titter
A “titter” refers to a nervous or suppressed laugh, often due to embarrassment or awkwardness.
Definition: To “titter” means to laugh in a quiet and nervous manner, often when someone is unsure of how to react.
In Sentence: “She tittered nervously when she realized she was the only one who hadn’t finished their work.”
Example: The awkward comment made everyone titter, unsure of how to respond to the uncomfortable situation.
Explanation: A titter often indicates an involuntary reaction to something awkward, funny, or slightly embarrassing.
Other Ways to Say “Titter”:
- Snicker
- Giggle
- Laugh nervously
- Laugh softly
- Snigger
16. Cackle
“Cackle” is a loud, shrill laugh, often associated with something that’s particularly funny or eerie.
Definition: To “cackle” means to laugh loudly and harshly, often in a way that can sound unpleasant or mischievous.
In Sentence: “The witch cackled as she watched the hero struggle.”
Example: After winning the game, she cackled triumphantly, enjoying her victory.
Explanation: A cackle is typically a loud, harsh laugh that can sound like it’s meant to be menacing or over-the-top, often used in stories or by characters with a wicked sense of humor.
Other Ways to Say “Cackle”:
- Chortle
- Howl
- Laugh maniacally
- Guffaw
- Roar
17. Laughing Fit
A “laughing fit” refers to a sudden outburst of uncontrollable laughter.
Definition: “Laughing fit” means a period of extended, often uncontrollable laughter that can last a few minutes or more.
In Sentence: “She had a laughing fit when she accidentally spilled her drink all over the table.”
Example: The kids couldn’t stop giggling during the sleepover, having a laughing fit over a funny movie scene.
Explanation: This idiom is used when laughter takes over and becomes difficult to control for a few moments.
Other Ways to Say “Laughing Fit”:
- Laughing spree
- Laugh attack
- chaotic laughter
- Burst of laughter
- Fit of giggles
18. Split Your Sides
“Split your sides” refers to laughing so hard that you feel physical pain in your sides.
Definition: To “split your sides” means to laugh so intensely that you feel it in your body, particularly in your stomach or sides.
In Sentence: “The comedian’s punchline was so perfect, I almost split my sides laughing.”
Example: The hilarious dance moves had the audience so entertained that many were splitting their sides from laughing so hard.
Explanation: This idiom suggests laughter that is so intense it feels almost physical, as if it could split your sides from the force of the laugh.
Other Ways to Say “Split Your Sides”:
- Laugh until it hurts
- Laugh until you can’t breathe
- Burst out laughing
- Cry from laughing
- Roll on the floor laughing
19. Have a Good Laugh
“Have a good laugh” is a simple phrase used to describe enjoying a moment of laughter.
Definition: To “have a good laugh” means to laugh heartily and enjoyably.
In Sentence: “We all had a good laugh about the funny things that happened during the trip.”
Example: After watching the funny blooper reel, we all had a good laugh together.
Explanation: This idiom is used when a group of people shares a positive, enjoyable laugh together.
Other Ways to Say “Have a Good Laugh”:
- Enjoy a hearty laugh
- Have a chuckle
- Laugh out loud
- Share a laugh
- Laugh together
20. Laugh Like a Hyena
“Laugh like a hyena” is an idiom used to describe an obnoxious, loud, and sometimes wild laugh.
Definition: To “laugh like a hyena” means to laugh in an exaggerated and obnoxious way, often compared to the loud cackling sound of a hyena.
In Sentence: “She laughed like a hyena after hearing the funny joke.”
Example: The movie had such over-the-top humor that by the end, everyone was laughing like hyenas.
Explanation: This phrase is often used to describe laughter that is both loud and attention-grabbing, sometimes in a way that might be seen as obnoxious or unrestrained.
Other Ways to Say “Laugh Like a Hyena”:
- Laugh loudly
- Roar with laughter
- Cackle
- Laugh hysterically
- Howl with laughter
Final Thoughts
Laughter is a beautiful, unifying experience, and these idioms for laughing provide a fun and expressive way to share that joy with others. Whether you’re sharing a soft chuckle or laughing till you cry, these phrases can help you describe the unique nuances of laughter in a more vivid, playful way.
Embrace these idioms and use them to enhance your conversations with a touch of humor and warmth.
FAQs
- What is an idiom for laughing?
An idiom for laughing is a figurative phrase used to describe different types or intensities of laughter, such as “burst out laughing” or “roll on the floor laughing.” - Why do we use idioms to describe laughter?
Idioms allow us to express emotions in a more colorful and expressive way, adding depth and personality to our language. - Can these idioms be used in both casual and formal settings?
While some idioms are more casual, they can often be used in informal conversations, but may need to be adjusted for more formal settings. - How do idioms for laughing improve communication?
They help convey the intensity and nature of the laughter, making conversations more engaging and relatable. - Can I use these idioms for laughing in writing?
Yes, these idioms are great for storytelling, adding humor, and making your writing more engaging by vividly describing reactions and emotions.
Emma Brooke is the writer and founder of Grammer Guru, a platform designed to help individuals refine their grammar, writing, and communication skills. With a deep love for language and a talent for simplifying complex grammar rules, Emma provides insightful tips and practical guidance for writers, students, and professionals
