Chortle

To chortle is to laugh quietly or in a suppressed way, often showing amusement or pleasure. It's a distinct sound, a blend of a chuckle and a snort, conveying lightheartedness and often a touch of inward satisfaction. The sound of a chortle suggests a private joke or a small, delightful surprise. It differs from a full laugh (which is usually louder) or a giggle (which is often high-pitched) by its more contained and breathy quality. The verb paints a picture of someone suppressing a wider display of mirth, savoring the humor discreetly. This reserved expression of amusement indicates a secret shared or a personal delight in the situation at hand. Chortling offers a way to communicate pleasure without drawing significant attention or causing a disruption.

Chortle meaning with examples

• Reading the unexpected plot twist, Emily couldn't help but chortle softly, delighted by the author's cleverness. She covered her mouth with her hand to contain the mirth as her neighbor sat nearby. It was a joyous moment to be shared between the writer and Emily alone. The unexpected ending of the story gave Emily something to smile about as she finished reading her book.
• The professor, after successfully completing a difficult proof, permitted himself a quiet chortle, a subtle sign of his personal satisfaction. The other students sat quietly and stared at the professor. The proof showed a success, and everyone was glad that he got it right. His accomplishment, evident in this small sound, had been a goal of the class.
• Upon seeing his grandson's clumsy attempt at tying his shoelaces, the grandfather **chortled** softly, his eyes crinkling with amusement. The kid attempted to tie his shoes, but he made multiple errors. He wasn't as good as grandpa at all. He loved his grandson, and he always loved watching him improve his technique to tie his shoes better.
• The mischievous kitten, after successfully batting the dangling toy, let out a tiny chortle, a sound only a few people would notice. This meant the little cat was up to something, and his mom had to stop him. This was because she had to feed her baby kitten. The kitten had his eye on the prize, ready to play, and be a cute kid.