laughing hyena
C1Semi-technical, literary, figurative
Definition
Meaning
A large African hyena (Crocuta crocuta) known for its distinctive vocalization that resembles a hysterical human laugh.
The term is also used metaphorically to describe a person who laughs in a loud, shrill, or uncontrollable manner that is reminiscent of the animal's call.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to the spotted hyena species. The 'laughing' descriptor is based on its characteristic high-pitched giggling or cackling vocalization, used in social communication. In metaphorical use, it often carries a negative connotation of mockery or hysteria.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or referential differences. Spelling of 'hyena' is consistent.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, encountered in wildlife contexts, literature, or as a vivid simile/metaphor.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [noun] laughed like a laughing hyena.We heard the [sound/vocalization] of a laughing hyena.She has a laugh like a [simile: laughing hyena].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “laugh like a hyena”
- “have a laugh like a hyena”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used. Potentially in metaphorical criticism: 'His laugh during the negotiation was like a laughing hyena's, unsettling everyone.'
Academic
Used in zoology, biology, and African ecology texts to refer specifically to the species.
Everyday
Used figuratively to describe an extreme, often annoying, laugh. 'Stop cackling like a laughing hyena!'
Technical
Standard term for the species Crocuta crocuta in zoological taxonomy and wildlife documentation.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The pack began hyena-laughing as they squabbled over the carcass.
- He was absolutely hyena-ing with laughter at the comedian.
American English
- The hyenas were laughing out on the plain.
- She started laughing like a hyena when she heard the news.
adverb
British English
- He laughed laughing-hyena-ly, which put us all on edge.
American English
- The audience reacted laughing-hyena-style to the slapstick.
adjective
British English
- He let out a horrible, laughing-hyena cackle.
- The documentary featured classic laughing-hyena behaviour.
American English
- We heard a laughing-hyena sound in the distance.
- She has a very laughing-hyena quality to her giggle.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The laughing hyena is an animal from Africa.
- It makes a funny sound.
- We saw a laughing hyena at the zoo yesterday.
- The sound of the laughing hyena is like strange laughter.
- The eerie cackle of the laughing hyena echoed across the savanna at night.
- Whenever he gets nervous, he giggles like a laughing hyena.
- Metaphorically describing someone as a laughing hyena implies their laughter is as jarring and socially disruptive as the animal's vocalisations.
- The spotted hyena, often called the laughing hyena, possesses one of the most complex social structures in the animal kingdom.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HYENA watching a hilarious film (HYENA at the CINEMA) and laughing hysterically. 'Laughing Hyena' sounds like 'Laughing High-Ener' - a high-energy laugher.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNCONTROLLABLE LAUGHTER IS AN ANIMAL VOCALIZATION / A PERSON IS AN ANIMAL (based on a single characteristic).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'смеющийся гиен' (grammatically incorrect). Correct: 'пятнистая гиена' or 'смеющаяся гиена' (less common).
- The metaphor exists in Russian ('хохотать как гиена'), so direct translation of the idiom is possible.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'laughing hiena' or 'laughing heyna'.
- Using it to refer to other hyena species (e.g., the striped hyena).
- Capitalizing it as a proper name (unless starting a sentence).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary, literal meaning of 'laughing hyena'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a separate species. 'Laughing hyena' is a common name specifically for the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), which is one of several hyena species.
It is named for its distinctive vocalization, a series of high-pitched giggling or cackling sounds that humans perceive as resembling hysterical laughter. This 'laughter' is actually a form of social communication.
Yes, but it is a strong metaphor. It describes someone whose laugh is very loud, shrill, uncontrolled, and often considered annoying or unsettling. It is not a compliment.
'Hyena laugh' refers specifically to the sound itself. 'Laughing hyena' is the noun naming the animal that makes that sound, or a person metaphorically characterized by it.