chortle

/ˈtʃɔrdl/

/ˈtʃɔtəl/

Other forms: chortled; chortling; chortles

A chortle is a joyful, partly muffled laugh. If you have a toddler, you will recognize the sound of a delighted chortle, sort of louder and a bit more raucous than a giggle.

In 1871, Lewis Carroll, who wrote Alice in Wonderland, coined the word chortle in the poem "Jabberwocky," about a son who slays a monster and comes back to his relieved and happy father: "'O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!' He chortled in his joy." Experts consider the word a blend of the words chuckle and snort and the laugh itself is also a cross between the two. You may chortle in glee if you find out your work nemesis just got a new job in another office — out of state.

Definitions of chortle

1. noun

   a soft partly suppressed laugh
   synonyms: chuckle

   type of:

   laugh, laughter

   the sound of laughing
2. verb

   laugh quietly or with restraint
   synonyms: chuckle, laugh softly

   type of:

   express joy, express mirth, laugh

   produce laughter