1.
involuntary laugh; burst of laughter
an uncontrollable laugh that escapes when trying to hold it back, especially at something absurd or inappropriate
思わず失笑してしまった。
I couldn't help but burst out laughing.
彼の言い訳に失笑が漏れた。
His excuse drew involuntary laughs.
会場から失笑が起きた。
Involuntary laughter arose from the audience.
VERB FORM:
失笑する - to laugh involuntarily, to burst out laughing
ORIGINAL MEANING:
失笑 literally means "losing/escaping laughter" - a laugh that slips out despite trying to hold it back. Traditionally neutral, but often used when something is so absurd one can't help laughing.
COMMON MISUNDERSTANDING:
Some people incorrectly use 失笑 to mean "not laughing" or "a cold response." The correct meaning is an involuntary burst of laughter.
RELATED TERMS:
- 噴き出す - to burst out laughing
- 吹き出す - to spurt out (laughter)
- 爆笑 - roar of laughter