bitter laugh
Mirthless, resentful cackle
A bitter laugh expresses resentment, disappointment, or dark irony rather than genuine amusement.
It's the laugh that escapes when something is grimly fitting or painfully predictable: She let out a bitter laugh when she saw who had been promoted.
The sound acknowledges absurdity while conveying hurt or cynicism.
- sardonicGrimly mocking
- hollowEmpty within
- mirthlessLacking genuine amusement
- cynicalDoubting human goodness
- scornfulShowing open contempt
chuckle · sneer · wry · mocking · derisive · dark humor · rueful · joyless · dark · ironic · resentful · grimace · sarcastic · cold · empty · no joy · harsh · dry
- laughtergiggling, chuckling, snickering, giggles, chortling