SARDONIC LAUGH Meaning and
Definition
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A sardonic laugh is a form of laughter characterized by a bitter, mocking or scornful tone. It is often described as a cynical or derisive laugh that expresses sarcasm, disbelief, or contemptuous amusement. The term "sardonic" is derived from the Greek word "sardonios," which refers to a plant believed to cause convulsive laughter ending in death.
A sardonic laugh is marked by a distinct quality of insincerity, often used to convey a sense of superiority or mockery towards someone or something. It is a form of laughter that may be tinted with irony, ridicule, or a sense of belittlement. The tone and demeanor accompanying a sardonic laugh can vary, but it is generally recognizable by its dry, cutting, or sneering nature.
Typically, a sardonic laugh is employed in response to absurdity, hypocrisy, or deception. It can be seen as a defensive mechanism to express frustration or disbelief when faced with situations or individuals that are considered foolish, insincere, or hypocritical. The sardonic laugh is often associated with dark humor or satire, conveying a certain level of cynicism or disillusionment.
In summary, a sardonic laugh is a cynical and scornful form of laughter that expresses contempt, disbelief, or mocking amusement. It possesses a distinct quality of insincerity, often used to deride or belittle someone or something, frequently as a response to absurdity, hypocrisy, or deception.
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A convulsive horrible grin, the forced result of a certain disease-see risus sardonicus.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SARDONIC LAUGH
- s ardonic laugh
- sa rdonic laugh
- sar donic laugh
- sard onic laugh
- sardo nic laugh
- sardon ic laugh
- sardoni c laugh
- sardonic l augh
- sardonic la ugh
- sardonic lau gh
- sardonic laug h
Etymology of SARDONIC LAUGH
The term "sardonic laugh" is derived from the adjective "sardonic". The etymology of "sardonic" can be traced back to ancient Greece. It comes from the Greek word "sardonios", which refers to a type of plant called "Sardonion". This plant was believed to have grown on the island of Sardinia and was notorious for its poisonous nature. Ingesting the plant was said to cause facial contortions and convulsions that made the person appear to be laughing, thus giving rise to the association of sardonic laughter with a scornful, bitter, or cynical amusement. Over time, "sardonic" became associated with a mocking or derisive form of laughter and is now commonly used to describe a grim or sarcastic smile.
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