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Belly laugh
01
a joke that seems extremely funny
02
a loud and uncontrollable laughter
What is the origin of the idiom "belly laugh" and when to use it?
The idiom "belly laugh" has its origins in the idea that laughter, when hearty and genuine, engages not only one's vocal cords and facial expressions but also the muscles of the belly, leading to a deep and robust laughter that comes from the core of one's being. The phrase is believed to have developed in the early 20th century and is used to describe a loud, genuine, and often contagious laughter that emanates from deep within, signifying great amusement and enjoyment.
Example
The unexpected twist in the plot of the sitcom led to uproarious belly laughs from the viewers.
When the children watched the clown's performance, their belly laughs could be heard from across the circus tent.
John's amusing anecdotes had his coworkers sharing belly laughs during their lunch break, brightening up the workday.
The comedy show was so hilarious that the entire audience erupted in belly laughs, filling the theater with mirth.
