Cackle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cackle
[หkรฆkษl ]
Definitions
sound
To make a harsh, usually high-pitched noise, like a hen after laying an egg.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cackle |
This word is often used to describe an unpleasant, sharp, and harsh laugh that might sound a bit like a hen. It has a somewhat negative connotation and can suggest malice or a witch-like character.
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| chuckle |
This term is used for a quiet, gentle laugh, often one that shows mild amusement or satisfaction. It's a soft and easygoing reaction, not as intense as a full laugh.
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| laugh |
This is the most general word for the act of making sounds to show amusement, joy, or sometimes even a nervous reaction. It can vary greatly in intensity and type, from light chuckles to hearty belly laughs.
|
| giggle |
This word is typically used for a high-pitched, repeated laugh that often occurs when someone is being very amused or nervous. It's usually associated with children or situations where someone finds something particularly funny or silly.
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Examples of usage
- The old witch cackled loudly as she stirred her cauldron.
- The group of hyenas cackled in the distance.
- The evil villain cackled with glee as his plan unfolded.
- She couldn't help but cackle with laughter at the joke.
- The witch's laugh echoed through the forest, a cackle that sent shivers down the spine.
sound
A loud, harsh laugh.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cackle |
Cackle is often used to describe a loud, harsh laugh, especially in a way that might sound evil or mocking. It can have a negative connotation and is often associated with villains or witches in stories.
|
| laugh |
Laugh is a general term for the sound or act of laughing. It can range from a soft chuckle to a loud, hearty laugh. It is versatile and can be used in most situations where someone finds something amusing.
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| chuckle |
Chuckle is a soft, suppressed laugh that might be quiet. It is often used to express amusement without loudness, typically in a gentle or kind manner.
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| giggle |
Giggle refers to a light, silly laugh, often high-pitched and sometimes uncontrollable. It is often associated with children or situations involving fun and playfulness.
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Examples of usage
- The cackle of the hyenas could be heard from miles away.
- Her cackle filled the room, making everyone uneasy.
- The witch's cackle was so eerie, it made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- Cackling is often used to describe witchesโ laughter in stories and movies, emphasizing their mischievous nature.
- In animated films, characters that cackle tend to be comically villainous, making the laugh memorable.
- Popular TV shows and cartoons often feature characters with distinct cackling laughs to create a recognizable identity.
Psychology
- Laughter, including cackling, can be a social signal, indicating happiness or amusement in a group setting.
- Studies show that loud laughter may release more endorphins, giving people a stronger feeling of joy.
- Excessive cackling can sometimes be perceived as nervousness or a coping mechanism during awkward situations.
Literature
- Cackling often conveys a character's madness or eccentricity in literature, hinting at a deeper understanding of their psyche.
- In many fairy tales, the loud laughter of an antagonist is used to set a tone of fear or foreboding.
- Authors might use the sound of cackling to contrast with a tense scene, providing comic relief through absurdity.
Wildlife
- Some birds, like the hen, are known for their cackling sounds, especially after laying eggs, which can be interpreted as a celebratory noise.
- Wild animals use cackling or similar sounds as a form of communication, to warn others of danger or to attract mates.
- In nature documentaries, cackling sounds made by certain species often highlight their social interactions and behaviors.
Origin of 'cackle'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Middle English word 'kaklen,' which means to make a harsh sound.
- It is possibly related to the Old French word 'cachier,' meaning to laugh loudly or loudly cry.
- The term began being used in English in the 15th century to describe the cawing sound of some birds.
The word 'cackle' originated from Middle English 'cakelen' which meant 'to cackle like a hen.' It is believed to have imitative origins, mimicking the sound of a hen after laying an egg. Over time, the word has come to be associated with loud, harsh laughter, often used to depict witches or evil characters in literature and folklore.