laugh off
B2Informal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
to dismiss or treat (something negative, such as criticism, embarrassment, or pain) as unimportant by laughing or joking about it.
To respond to a difficult, awkward, or serious situation with humor or apparent unconcern in order to downplay its significance or avoid showing one's true feelings.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a conscious, often strategic, choice to use laughter as a coping mechanism or a social tool to deflect. It suggests resilience or an attempt to appear resilient. The object is typically an abstract noun (criticism, remark, suggestion) or a situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Spelling remains the same.
Connotations
Equally common and carries the same connotations of casual dismissal or brave front in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in spoken language than formal writing in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] laughs off [Object (noun/noun phrase)][Subject] laughs it offVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “laugh something out of court”
- “turn it into a joke”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The CEO laughed off rumours of a merger, calling them 'market speculation.'" Used to publicly downplay negative news.
Academic
Rare. Might appear in literary analysis: "The protagonist laughs off societal expectations."
Everyday
"He tripped on stage but laughed it off and carried on with his speech." Very common in personal anecdotes.
Technical
Not applicable in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She managed to laugh off the rather rude comment from the audience.
- You can't just laugh off a formal complaint from a client.
American English
- He laughed off the injury and finished the game.
- The senator laughed off the reporter's pointed question.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- It was just a little mistake. He laughed it off.
- Don't worry, you can laugh off a small problem.
- She laughed off the embarrassing photo her friend posted online.
- When they said his idea was silly, he just laughed it off.
- Despite the harsh criticism in the review, the author laughed it off during the interview.
- Politicians often have to learn to laugh off personal attacks.
- His ability to laugh off constant media scrutiny is a testament to his resilient character.
- The company tried to laugh off the data breach allegations, but investors remained concerned.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone throwing a problem at you (like a ball), and you just laugh and bat it away with your hand – you 'laugh it OFF' yourself.
Conceptual Metaphor
NEGATIVE EXPERIENCE IS A PHYSICAL BURDEN THAT CAN BE REMOVED (by laughter).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as "смеяться с" or "смеяться прочь." The closer conceptual equivalent is often "отшутиться" or "отнестись с юмором/смехом." The phrase implies an active response, not just passive amusement.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'laugh at' incorrectly. 'Laugh at' means to mock (someone). 'Laugh off' means to dismiss (something). Mistake: *'She laughed at his criticism' (implies she mocked him). Correct: 'She laughed off his criticism' (she dismissed it as unimportant).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary nuance of 'laugh off' compared to 'laugh about'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a separable phrasal verb. You can say 'laugh off the criticism' or 'laugh the criticism off'. With pronouns, you must separate: 'laugh it off'.
It is almost exclusively used for negative or awkward situations. Using it for a compliment (e.g., 'She laughed off the praise') would imply she was dismissive or embarrassed by it.
They are very close synonyms. 'Laugh off' explicitly involves laughter or humor as the method of dismissal. 'Brush off' is more general and can be done silently or with a gesture.
It can be interpreted both ways. Positively, it shows resilience and emotional strength. Negatively, it can be seen as avoiding dealing with a serious issue or lacking seriousness.