guffaw

This is not a small or quiet laugh. It is the kind that bursts out when something seems very funny, often deep, hearty, and hard to hold back. You would not usually use it for a polite smile or a soft chuckle. You would use it for a laugh that is loud enough for other people to notice. The word often suggests real amusement, high energy, and a moment when someone forgets to be reserved.

To guffaw is to burst into a loud, hearty, unrestrained laugh. It's more than just chuckling or smiling; it's a boisterous expression of amusement that often fills a space. The sound is typically deep and rumbling, suggesting genuine and uninhibited joy.

The origin of the word is rooted in the 18th century, likely stemming from a Scottish dialect term intended to mimic the sound of a loud, coarse laugh. Since its emergence, it has always carried the connotation of a robust, almost uncontrollable reaction to humor.

You're most likely to hear "guffaw" used when describing someone reacting to something genuinely funny, whether it is a witty remark, slapstick comedy, or an unexpected situation. It is often associated with jovial characters in literature who are known for their hearty personalities and booming voices. For example: "Old Man Hemlock let out a mighty guffaw at the young boy's silly joke." Or, "The comedian's routine was so funny that the audience erupted in guffaws."

While you can guffaw alone, it is usually a social sound—something shared and contagious. It suggests a sense of lightheartedness and a willingness to fully embrace joy without concern for decorum. So next time you hear a truly booming laugh, remember the word "guffaw"—it's more than just laughter; it's an explosion of mirth!