Cackling

Cackling describes a loud, harsh, and often uncontrolled laugh, especially one associated with chickens or similar fowl. It's typically a high-pitched, rapid sound that suggests amusement, mockery, nervousness, or sometimes, malice. The sound can be described as a series of short, repetitive syllables of 'cack, cack, cack'. The term often implies a lack of elegance or refinement in the laughter, sometimes bordering on the unpleasant or silly. It can be used to paint a scene of vibrant chaos and is sometimes used in a derogatory context as it implies the laugher might be unintelligent. The volume and pitch can vary, but the characteristic harshness remains the defining factor. It can be a singular event or a sustained bout of laughter, usually with a certain rhythm involved.

Cackling meaning with examples

• The old witch in the story emitted a chilling cackling sound as she stirred her bubbling cauldron, promising trouble for the unsuspecting hero. Her laugh was full of menace, and she rubbed her bony hands together.
• Overwhelmed with joy after the surprise proposal, the bride-to-be let out a high-pitched, excitable cackling. Her friends, however, just found the sound a little off, and were unsure how to respond to her.
• The audience began cackling with unrestrained delight as the clown's antics on stage intensified. His exaggerated movements and absurd jokes provoked peals of laughter, and everyone in the room was happy and amused.
• Hearing the news about her rival's mishap, the social climber erupted in a triumphant cackling, unconcerned about who might be around her. She took this moment of her opponent's misfortune, and loved it.