Chortles

Chortles refers to the act of emitting a gleeful, partly suppressed, or muffled laugh, often indicating amusement, satisfaction, or a sense of smugness. It's a lighter, more restrained form of laughter compared to a guffaw or a roar, implying a private enjoyment or a slight feeling of superiority. The sound can be described as a soft, internal chuckle, or a quiet, breathy exhalation of mirth. The act often involves a slight twitch of the lips, a glint in the eyes, and a general feeling of internal warmth. It can also describe an object producing a similar sound. The subtle nature of a chortle often suggests a refined sense of humor, or a carefully controlled display of delight.

Chortles meaning with examples

• The comedian told a self-deprecating joke, and a few people in the audience let out soft chortles. He could tell they appreciated his honesty. The gentle humor resonated perfectly. This encouraged him to tell another joke. It was an amazing feeling. He continued. The room filled with small sounds of delight, creating a pleasant ambiance.
• She read the amusing email from her friend and found herself letting out several quiet chortles. The content of the letter was ridiculous. It contained an abundance of witty comments. The subtle delight indicated genuine fondness, while the sound did not disturb others nearby. She did not have to feel embarassed. Her enjoyment remained within acceptable bounds.
• As the child played with his puppy, he produced small chortles of happiness, delighting in the dog's playful antics. The interactions were precious. The moment was perfect. Their playful relationship was adorable. It was a warm display of happiness. He picked the dog up. The experience was pure and innocent. This was a moment he would treasure for years to come.
• The cat, curled up on the warm windowsill, chortles softly, its contented purr mixing with the distant sounds of traffic. It could not be more content. The sun was at the perfect angle. Its gentle sounds indicated happiness. The sound of a chortle in this instance was the purring of an animal. It was such an adorable image.
• Hearing his grandson's clumsy attempts to build a tower, the grandfather allowed himself a gentle chortles, his heart swelling with fondness. The child did not realize the grandfather was watching. The experience was a treasure. He allowed himself the pleasure of being able to watch. It felt like a privilege. He was filled with joy.