guffaw
What does "guffaw" mean?
A guffaw is a loud, unrestrained burst of laughter. Imagine someone being caught completely off guard by a joke and letting out a booming, boisterous sound that comes from the belly rather than the throat. While a chuckle is quiet and a giggle is high-pitched, a guffaw is unapologetically noisy and hearty. It is often used to describe deep, genuine amusement, though it can sometimes imply a lack of refinement or a sudden, explosive reaction to something unexpected.
"guffaw" in conversation
Reacting to a joke
And then he tried to walk through the glass door!
And then he tried to walk through the glass door!
*Guffaw* Oh man, that is absolutely terrible but I can't stop laughing.
*Guffaw* Oh man, that is absolutely terrible but I can't stop laughing.
Used to describe a sudden, loud reaction to a funny story.
Watching a comedy show
The comedian's timing tonight is spot on.
The comedian's timing tonight is spot on.
I know, I let out a loud guffaw when he started that bit about the cat.
I know, I let out a loud guffaw when he started that bit about the cat.
Often used to describe a singular, distinct moment of loud laughter.
"guffaw" in a sentence
He let out a loud guffaw at the joke.
He let out a loud guffaw at the joke.
The room was filled with the sound of his sudden guffaw.
The room was filled with the sound of his sudden guffaw.
Her dry wit was enough to elicit a startled guffaw from the usually stoic professor.
Her dry wit was enough to elicit a startled guffaw from the usually stoic professor.
