A hollow laugh refers to a laughter that lacks genuine joy or amusement, typically characterized by a forced or insincere expression. The adjective "hollow" suggests emptiness, shallowness, or lack of substance, and when applied to laughter, it indicates a kind of laughter that is devoid of true emotion or mirth. This type of laugh is often considered a mere façade or a defense mechanism to conceal one's true feelings or thoughts.
When someone emits a hollow laugh, it is often accompanied by a noticeable absence of genuine happiness in their eyes or facial expressions. It may be involuntary or intentional, intended to deceive others into perceiving a sense of amusement or enjoyment. This particular laughter is commonly used in situations where one is expected to respond positively or find humor in something, but fails to do so.
A hollow laugh is often associated with feelings of emptiness, sadness, bitterness, or irony. It can be a response to a situation that seems absurd, unfair, or disappointing, leaving the person with a sense of cynicism or resignation. This type of laughter is frequently observed in times of distress, where someone may laugh as a coping mechanism to mask their true emotions or maintain a positive image.
Overall, a hollow laugh is a laughter that lacks sincerity or true amusement, conveying a masked emotion or reflecting a deeper emotional state.
