In the USA, people love to laugh. Laughing makes us feel better and brings people closer. It’s a big part of daily life—from funny TV shows to jokes with friends. That’s why Americans use many fun expressions, or idioms, to talk about laughing. These idioms help make stories more colorful and fun to hear.
Some of these idioms describe a small giggle, while others show a loud, unstoppable laugh. These sayings can make speaking more interesting. In this article, you will learn 58 common idioms about laughing and smiling. Each one has an easy meaning, fun examples, and a little background on how it started. These idioms are easy to remember and fun to use in school, with friends, or at home.
Idioms for Laughing
1. Burst out laughing
Meaning: Start laughing suddenly and loudly
Example Sentence:
• Jake burst out laughing when he saw the silly cat video.
• She burst out laughing during the funny part of the movie.
Other ways to say: Crack up, start laughing
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom shows how laughter can happen all at once, like something bursting.
Usage: Used when laughter starts quickly, often from something surprising or funny.
2. Laugh your head off
Meaning: Laugh very hard
Example Sentence:
• We laughed our heads off at the comedy show.
• He laughed his head off when I told him the joke.
Other ways to say: Laugh like crazy, giggle a lot
Fun Fact/Origin: It doesn’t mean you really lose your head—it just means laughing too much.
Usage: Used when someone laughs so hard it’s hard to stop.
3. Crack up
Meaning: Start laughing suddenly
Example Sentence:
• I cracked up when Dad wore socks with sandals.
• They all cracked up at the funny dance.
Other ways to say: Burst out laughing, fall apart laughing
Fun Fact/Origin: “Crack” here means to break—like breaking into laughter.
Usage: Used when something is so funny you can’t stay serious.
4. Roll on the floor laughing
Meaning: Laugh a lot and can’t stop
Example Sentence:
• He was rolling on the floor laughing after hearing the prank story.
• The joke was so funny, I nearly rolled on the floor laughing.
Other ways to say: Laugh a lot, can’t stop laughing
Fun Fact/Origin: Often shortened to “ROFL” in texts or online chats.
Usage: Used to describe strong, uncontrollable laughter.
5. In stitches
Meaning: Laughing so hard it hurts
Example Sentence:
• That movie had me in stitches the whole time.
• Grandma’s stories always leave us in stitches.
Other ways to say: Laughing a lot, can’t stop giggling
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea that your sides hurt like you’ve been sewn with stitches.
Usage: Used when laughter is loud and almost painful from laughing too much.
6. Crack a smile
Meaning: Give a small smile
Example Sentence:
• He finally cracked a smile when he saw the puppy.
• Even on bad days, music makes her crack a smile.
Other ways to say: Grin, show a smile
Fun Fact/Origin: “Crack” means to open, like opening your face into a smile.
Usage: Used when someone smiles just a little.
7. Grin from ear to ear
Meaning: Smile very widely
Example Sentence:
• She was grinning from ear to ear after winning the prize.
• He grinned from ear to ear when his grandparents visited.
Other ways to say: Big smile, beaming
Fun Fact/Origin: This means a smile so wide it almost touches both ears.
Usage: Used when someone is very happy or proud.
8. Giggle like a schoolgirl
Meaning: Laugh in a silly or excited way
Example Sentence:
• He giggled like a schoolgirl after hearing the joke.
• They giggled like schoolgirls at the funny video.
Other ways to say: Laugh shyly, chuckle softly
Fun Fact/Origin: It refers to the way young girls sometimes laugh when excited or nervous.
Usage: Used when laughter is light, playful, or silly.
9. Have the last laugh
Meaning: Be the one who laughs at the end
Example Sentence:
• They made fun of her idea, but she had the last laugh when it worked.
• He had the last laugh when he won the contest.
Other ways to say: Win in the end, prove others wrong
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from old plays and stories where the hero wins at the end.
Usage: Used when someone proves others wrong in a funny or smart way.
10. Tickled pink
Meaning: Very happy or amused
Example Sentence:
• I was tickled pink when I got a letter from my cousin.
• Grandma was tickled pink by the surprise party.
Other ways to say: Very happy, super pleased
Fun Fact/Origin: “Tickled” once meant amused. “Pink” shows how cheeks flush when happy.
Usage: Used when someone is happily surprised or finds something funny.
11. Split your sides
Meaning: Laugh so much it feels like your sides hurt
Example Sentence:
• We split our sides laughing at the puppet show.
• The comedian had the crowd splitting their sides.
Other ways to say: Laugh a lot, belly laugh
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea that laughing hard can make your stomach muscles sore.
Usage: Used for deep, hard laughter.
12. Laugh like a drain
Meaning: Laugh loudly without stopping
Example Sentence:
• Uncle Joe laughed like a drain at the silly joke.
• They laughed like drains after seeing the blooper reel.
Other ways to say: Cackle, roar with laughter
Fun Fact/Origin: British in origin; sounds like water going down a drain—noisy and strong.
Usage: Describes uncontrolled, noisy laughter.
13. Chuckle to yourself
Meaning: Laugh quietly and softly
Example Sentence:
• He chuckled to himself while reading the comic book.
• She chuckled to herself after the joke popped into her mind.
Other ways to say: Laugh quietly, smile and laugh
Fun Fact/Origin: “Chuckle” is a gentle kind of laugh.
Usage: Used when someone finds something funny but doesn’t laugh loudly.
14. Laugh out loud
Meaning: Laugh with sound, not just smiling
Example Sentence:
• That cartoon made me laugh out loud.
• She laughed out loud at the prank.
Other ways to say: LOL, burst into laughter
Fun Fact/Origin: Commonly shortened as “LOL” in texting and online messages.
Usage: Used when something is funny enough to make you laugh with sound.
15. Cackle like a witch
Meaning: Laugh in a loud and wild way
Example Sentence:
• He cackled like a witch after pulling a prank.
• The kids cackled like witches while telling spooky jokes.
Other ways to say: Shriek, loud laugh
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on the way witches laugh in cartoons and Halloween stories.
Usage: Used for wild, spooky, or silly laughter.
16. Burst into giggles
Meaning: Start giggling all of a sudden
Example Sentence:
• The class burst into giggles during story time.
• She burst into giggles when the dog wore sunglasses.
Other ways to say: Giggle a lot, start laughing
Fun Fact/Origin: “Giggle” is a light, quick kind of laugh.
Usage: Used when laughter begins quickly and spreads.
17. Be in a good mood
Meaning: Feel happy and smile easily
Example Sentence:
• Mom was in a good mood after her walk.
• He was in a good mood and kept smiling all day.
Other ways to say: Happy, cheerful
Fun Fact/Origin: “Mood” comes from an old word meaning feeling or spirit.
Usage: Often used when someone is more likely to laugh or smile.
18. Like a barrel of laughs
Meaning: Very funny or fun
Example Sentence:
• That camp trip was a barrel of laughs.
• The show was a barrel of laughs from start to end.
Other ways to say: Full of fun, really funny
Fun Fact/Origin: A “barrel” full of laughs sounds like endless fun.
Usage: Used to describe a funny event or person.
19. Keep a straight face
Meaning: Try not to laugh
Example Sentence:
• It was hard to keep a straight face during the joke.
• She couldn’t keep a straight face while telling the story.
Other ways to say: Stay serious, hold in laughter
Fun Fact/Origin: “Straight face” means no smile at all.
Usage: Used when trying to stay serious but something is very funny.
20. Let out a snort
Meaning: Make a sound while laughing
Example Sentence:
• He let out a snort while drinking milk and laughing.
• She snorted when she saw the silly cat picture.
Other ways to say: Laugh loudly, snicker
Fun Fact/Origin: Snorting happens when laughter escapes while breathing in or out.
Usage: Used when laughter makes a funny nose sound.
21. Laugh like a hyena
Meaning: Laugh wildly and noisily
Example Sentence:
• The boys laughed like hyenas during the game.
• They laughed like hyenas at the joke about the teacher.
Other ways to say: Cackle, laugh loud
Fun Fact/Origin: Hyenas are wild animals known for their noisy laughs.
Usage: Used when laughter is loud, wild, and sometimes silly.
22. Cheek to cheek
Meaning: Smile so wide that cheeks puff up
Example Sentence:
• They were cheek to cheek while taking the photo.
• He smiled cheek to cheek after winning the race.
Other ways to say: Big smile, smiling hard
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to how cheeks rise when someone has a huge grin.
Usage: Used to describe very big, happy smiles.
23. Smile like a Cheshire cat
Meaning: Smile wide and mysteriously
Example Sentence:
• He smiled like a Cheshire cat when he had a secret.
• She smiled like a Cheshire cat before the surprise.
Other ways to say: Grin big, smirk
Fun Fact/Origin: From the cat in Alice in Wonderland, who always smiled wide.
Usage: Used when someone has a big, knowing smile.
24. Be all smiles
Meaning: Look very happy
Example Sentence:
• She was all smiles after the birthday party.
• They were all smiles on their first day at camp.
Other ways to say: Happy face, full of joy
Fun Fact/Origin: Shows someone can’t stop smiling.
Usage: Used when someone is visibly joyful.
25. Laugh till you cry
Meaning: Laugh so hard you have tears
Example Sentence:
• That video made me laugh till I cried.
• She laughed till she cried at the dog’s dance.
Other ways to say: Laugh a lot, crack up
Fun Fact/Origin: Sometimes strong laughter brings real tears.
Usage: Used when laughter is intense and lasts long.
26. Snicker at
Meaning: Laugh quietly, often in a sneaky way
Example Sentence:
• The kids snickered at the teacher’s silly hat.
• They snickered when the dog barked at its reflection.
Other ways to say: Giggle, chuckle secretly
Fun Fact/Origin: “Snicker” comes from the sound people make when holding in a laugh.
Usage: Used when someone laughs quietly, often when trying not to be seen.
27. Be tickled
Meaning: Feel amused or pleased
Example Sentence:
• Grandpa was tickled when we sang his favorite song.
• She was tickled by the funny cartoon.
Other ways to say: Amused, delighted
Fun Fact/Origin: Tickling causes laughter, so “tickled” came to mean feeling joy.
Usage: Used when something is cute, funny, or sweet.
28. Double over with laughter
Meaning: Bend forward because of laughing hard
Example Sentence:
• He doubled over with laughter after seeing the joke.
• They doubled over with laughter at the talent show.
Other ways to say: Laugh hard, bend with laughter
Fun Fact/Origin: Strong belly laughs can make people bend forward.
Usage: Used to describe physical reaction to strong laughter.
29. Howl with laughter
Meaning: Laugh loudly like a howl
Example Sentence:
• The whole room howled with laughter at the silly mistake.
• She howled with laughter when Dad tripped on a balloon.
Other ways to say: Laugh loud, roar with laughter
Fun Fact/Origin: Like wolves howl, people sometimes laugh with long loud sounds.
Usage: Used when laughter is noisy and wild.
30. Light up like a Christmas tree
Meaning: Smile brightly or become excited
Example Sentence:
• His face lit up like a Christmas tree when he saw the cake.
• She lit up like a Christmas tree at the joke.
Other ways to say: Brighten up, glow
Fun Fact/Origin: Christmas trees shine with many lights, just like a happy face.
Usage: Used when someone’s face shows big happiness.
31. Have a good laugh
Meaning: Enjoy laughing together
Example Sentence:
• We had a good laugh remembering old times.
• They had a good laugh after the prank was over.
Other ways to say: Share a laugh, laugh together
Fun Fact/Origin: A simple way to describe fun moments.
Usage: Used when laughter brings people closer.
32. Giggle fit
Meaning: Can’t stop giggling
Example Sentence:
• She had a giggle fit in the middle of class.
• The twins had a giggle fit during the car ride.
Other ways to say: Giggling a lot, silly laugh time
Fun Fact/Origin: Like a cough fit, but with laughter instead.
Usage: Used when giggles take over and won’t stop.
33. Smile from ear to ear
Meaning: Very big smile
Example Sentence:
• He smiled from ear to ear after opening the gift.
• She was smiling from ear to ear after the spelling bee.
Other ways to say: Huge grin, glowing smile
Fun Fact/Origin: Shows a full-face smile.
Usage: Used for strong, happy moments.
34. Laugh one’s socks off
Meaning: Laugh very hard
Example Sentence:
• We laughed our socks off at the funny dance.
• She laughed her socks off at the joke Dad told.
Other ways to say: Laugh a lot, burst into laughter
Fun Fact/Origin: It’s silly to think laughter can remove socks—it’s just a joke way to show big laughter.
Usage: Used for over-the-top laughter.
35. Wearing a smile
Meaning: Looking happy
Example Sentence:
• He walked into class wearing a smile.
• Mom was wearing a smile after hearing the good news.
Other ways to say: Smiling, cheerful
Fun Fact/Origin: Smiles are like clothing on your face.
Usage: Used to describe someone’s happy face.
36. Smiling ear to ear
Meaning: Very wide smile
Example Sentence:
• She was smiling ear to ear when she saw the puppy.
• He was smiling ear to ear after the win.
Other ways to say: Full smile, big grin
Fun Fact/Origin: Repeats the idea of a wide, joyful smile.
Usage: Used when someone feels proud, happy, or loved.
37. Let out a belly laugh
Meaning: A deep, loud laugh
Example Sentence:
• Grandpa let out a big belly laugh at the joke.
• We heard her belly laugh across the room.
Other ways to say: Deep laugh, loud chuckle
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the way your belly moves during strong laughter.
Usage: Used when someone laughs with full joy.
38. Smile like you mean it
Meaning: Smile in a real, true way
Example Sentence:
• The teacher said, “Smile like you mean it for the photo.”
• She smiled like she meant it after getting the gift.
Other ways to say: Real smile, true grin
Fun Fact/Origin: Used to ask for honest happiness, not fake smiles.
Usage: Used when smiles come from true joy.
39. Fall about laughing
Meaning: Laugh so hard you lose control
Example Sentence:
• They fell about laughing at the cartoon.
• He fell about laughing when the balloon popped.
Other ways to say: Crack up, lose it laughing
Fun Fact/Origin: British in style but used in the USA too.
Usage: Used for wild, rolling laughter.
40. Giggle uncontrollably
Meaning: Keep giggling and can’t stop
Example Sentence:
• She giggled uncontrollably during the joke.
• The boys giggled uncontrollably in the hallway.
Other ways to say: Laugh wildly, burst into giggles
Fun Fact/Origin: Giggle comes from the sound “gig” which sounds playful.
Usage: Used when laughter keeps going no matter what.
41. Smile that lights up the room
Meaning: A very bright and warm smile
Example Sentence:
• Her smile lit up the room at the family dinner.
• He walked in and his smile lit up the room.
Other ways to say: Beautiful smile, warm smile
Fun Fact/Origin: Smiles can lift the mood of everyone in a room.
Usage: Used when someone’s smile is especially joyful.
42. Hold back laughter
Meaning: Try not to laugh
Example Sentence:
• I had to hold back laughter when the cat fell asleep standing.
• They tried to hold back laughter during the school play.
Other ways to say: Keep from laughing, bite your lip
Fun Fact/Origin: This is common in school or serious settings.
Usage: Used when someone doesn’t want to be caught laughing.
43. Put a smile on someone’s face
Meaning: Make someone happy
Example Sentence:
• That story really put a smile on Grandma’s face.
• The surprise put a smile on her face.
Other ways to say: Make someone happy, lift someone’s mood
Fun Fact/Origin: Smiles are signs of joy, and this idiom shows kindness.
Usage: Used when something causes someone else to smile.
44. Laugh till your belly hurts
Meaning: Laugh so hard it causes belly pain
Example Sentence:
• We laughed till our bellies hurt watching old videos.
• He laughed till his belly hurt at the cartoon.
Other ways to say: Laugh hard, in stitches
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from laughing with your stomach muscles.
Usage: Describes very strong laughter.
45. Grin like a fool
Meaning: Smile widely without caring
Example Sentence:
• He grinned like a fool when he got the snack.
• She grinned like a fool at the puppy parade.
Other ways to say: Smile big, happy grin
Fun Fact/Origin: “Fool” here means someone who smiles without worrying.
Usage: Used when someone is so happy they don’t care how they look.
46. Have a hearty laugh
Meaning: Laugh in a strong, cheerful way
Example Sentence:
• They had a hearty laugh after the story.
• Uncle John always has a hearty laugh that fills the room.
Other ways to say: Big laugh, full laugh
Fun Fact/Origin: “Hearty” means full of life or spirit.
Usage: Used when laughter feels warm and happy.
47. Smile like sunshine
Meaning: Smile that feels warm and bright
Example Sentence:
• Her smile was like sunshine on a rainy day.
• He smiled like sunshine when he saw his dog.
Other ways to say: Bright smile, warm grin
Fun Fact/Origin: Sunshine is often linked to happiness.
Usage: Used when a smile brings cheer to others.
48. Laugh like there’s no tomorrow
Meaning: Laugh a lot without worrying
Example Sentence:
• They laughed like there was no tomorrow at the fair.
• She laughed like there’s no tomorrow during the movie.
Other ways to say: Laugh freely, laugh a lot
Fun Fact/Origin: It means enjoying the moment fully.
Usage: Used when someone laughs and forgets all stress.
49. Burst with laughter
Meaning: Suddenly start laughing hard
Example Sentence:
• He burst with laughter after the magic trick.
• They burst with laughter when the squirrel stole the snack.
Other ways to say: Crack up, start laughing fast
Fun Fact/Origin: “Burst” means something happens all at once.
Usage: Used when laughter comes out quickly.
50. Laugh like crazy
Meaning: Laugh a lot and loudly
Example Sentence:
• We laughed like crazy during the skit.
• They laughed like crazy after the blooper.
Other ways to say: Laugh hard, can’t stop laughing
Fun Fact/Origin: “Crazy” here means without control.
Usage: Used for fun, loud, and non-stop laughter.
51. Smile hidden behind your hand
Meaning: Try to hide your smile
Example Sentence:
• She smiled behind her hand when he tripped over nothing.
• He covered his mouth to hide a smile.
Other ways to say: Try not to laugh, cover smile
Fun Fact/Origin: Often seen when kids try not to laugh in class.
Usage: Used when a smile is kept secret.
52. Let loose a laugh
Meaning: Finally laugh out loud
Example Sentence:
• After staying quiet, she let loose a big laugh.
• He let loose a laugh when the pie fell.
Other ways to say: Laugh freely, break into laughter
Fun Fact/Origin: “Let loose” means to stop holding something in.
Usage: Used when laughter is released after holding it back.
53. Guffaw loudly
Meaning: Laugh with a deep loud sound
Example Sentence:
• He guffawed loudly at the talking parrot.
• She guffawed when her joke worked.
Other ways to say: Roar with laughter, loud laugh
Fun Fact/Origin: “Guffaw” means a loud and rough laugh.
Usage: Used for laughter that fills the room.
54. Chortle with glee
Meaning: Laugh with joy
Example Sentence:
• The baby chortled with glee when Dad made funny faces.
• She chortled with glee at her birthday gift.
Other ways to say: Giggle happily, laugh joyfully
Fun Fact/Origin: “Chortle” mixes “chuckle” and “snort.”
Usage: Used when someone laughs out of pure joy.
55. Break into a grin
Meaning: Suddenly start smiling
Example Sentence:
• He broke into a grin when he saw the pizza.
• She broke into a grin after the joke.
Other ways to say: Start smiling, beam
Fun Fact/Origin: Like starting a new action—smiling big.
Usage: Used when someone can’t help smiling.
56. Tee-hee like a child
Meaning: Make a light, childish laugh
Example Sentence:
• She tee-heed like a child when the clown slipped.
• He tee-heed while drawing silly cartoons.
Other ways to say: Giggle, laugh softly
Fun Fact/Origin: “Tee-hee” is an old way to show a cute laugh.
Usage: Used for light, playful laughter.
57. Smile tucked into your cheeks
Meaning: A small smile hidden behind your face
Example Sentence:
• She had a smile tucked into her cheeks during the game.
• He had a tucked smile when he saw the gift.
Other ways to say: Small grin, half-smile
Fun Fact/Origin: The idea is the smile is there, just not big.
Usage: Used when a smile is small and shy.
58. Hold your sides
Meaning: Laugh so hard you grab your stomach
Example Sentence:
• We held our sides laughing at the bloopers.
• He was holding his sides from laughing too much.
Other ways to say: Laugh till it hurts, crack up
Fun Fact/Origin: Laughing hard can make your belly sore.
Usage: Used for strong, deep belly laughs.
Quiz: Idioms for Laughing
Instructions: Choose the correct meaning for each idiom. Only one answer is correct. These questions help you remember fun ways Americans talk about laughing and smiling.
Question Key
1. What does “laugh your head off” mean?
A) Lose your head in a game
B) Laugh very hard
C) Fall asleep while laughing
2. If someone “cracked up,” what happened?
A) They broke a toy
B) They got angry
C) They suddenly started laughing
3. What does “grin from ear to ear” mean?
A) Have big ears
B) Smile very wide
C) Shout loudly
4. What happens when someone is “in stitches”?
A) They are sewing
B) They are hurt
C) They are laughing a lot
5. What does “burst out laughing” mean?
A) Start laughing suddenly
B) Get surprised
C) Cry loudly
6. If a person is “tickled pink,” how do they feel?
A) Embarrassed
B) Very happy or amused
C) Sick
7. What does “keep a straight face” mean?
A) Don’t laugh
B) Wash your face
C) Talk in a straight voice
8. “Laugh like a hyena” means:
A) Cry quietly
B) Laugh wildly and loudly
C) Sing a loud song
9. What does it mean to “crack a smile”?
A) Smile a little
B) Break your mouth
C) Start yelling
10. If someone has the “last laugh,” what happened?
A) They stopped laughing
B) They won in the end
C) They laughed last in a line
11. What does “roll on the floor laughing” mean?
A) Be messy
B) Laugh very hard
C) Play on the floor
12. What does “giggle like a schoolgirl” mean?
A) Laugh shyly or lightly
B) Teach a class
C) Cry in school
13. If someone “smiles like sunshine,” how do they look?
A) Tired
B) Warm and bright
C) Cold
14. What does “laugh till you cry” mean?
A) Cry because you’re sad
B) Laugh so much that tears come
C) Pretend to cry
15. What happens when someone “falls about laughing”?
A) They fall asleep
B) They trip and fall
C) They laugh without control
16. What does “burst into giggles” mean?
A) Start giggling suddenly
B) Cry out loud
C) Run away
17. If someone is “wearing a smile,” what are they doing?
A) Putting on makeup
B) Looking happy
C) Cleaning their face
18. What does “let out a snort” mean?
A) Blow your nose
B) Make a sound while laughing
C) Breathe slowly
19. What does “light up like a Christmas tree” mean?
A) Turn on lights
B) Become excited or smile brightly
C) Decorate a tree
20. What does it mean to “giggle uncontrollably”?
A) Giggle softly
B) Can’t stop giggling
C) Talk to yourself
21. “Double over with laughter” means:
A) Bend forward because you’re laughing hard
B) Laugh twice
C) Sit down quickly
22. What does “guffaw loudly” mean?
A) Shout at someone
B) Laugh with a loud sound
C) Whisper a joke
23. If someone “lets loose a laugh,” what are they doing?
A) Getting quiet
B) Finally laughing out loud
C) Taking a nap
24. What does “break into a grin” mean?
A) Start smiling suddenly
B) Break your teeth
C) Get angry
25. “Hold your sides” means:
A) Hug yourself
B) Feel belly pain
C) Laugh so hard your stomach hurts
Answer Key
- B – Laugh very hard
- C – They suddenly started laughing
- B – Smile very wide
- C – They are laughing a lot
- A – Start laughing suddenly
- B – Very happy or amused
- A – Don’t laugh
- B – Laugh wildly and loudly
- A – Smile a little
- B – They won in the end
- B – Laugh very hard
- A – Laugh shyly or lightly
- B – Warm and bright
- B – Laugh so much that tears come
- C – They laugh without control
- A – Start giggling suddenly
- B – Looking happy
- B – Make a sound while laughing
- B – Become excited or smile brightly
- B – Can’t stop giggling
- A – Bend forward because you’re laughing hard
- B – Laugh with a loud sound
- B – Finally laughing out loud
- A – Start smiling suddenly
- C – Laugh so hard your stomach hurts
Wrapping Up
Laughing and smiling are part of everyday life in the USA. People use these idioms to describe moments that bring joy, surprise, or silliness. From a tiny giggle to a loud belly laugh, each phrase shows a different kind of fun. You don’t need fancy words—just expressions that feel real and sound friendly.
Next time something makes you laugh, try using one of these idioms. It might put a smile on someone’s face too.
