How to describe laughter
- Ha ha (sarcastic)
- Haha (polite)
- Ha. (unmeant bored)
- Ha! (exclamation)
- Hehe (immature, sly)
- Hahaha (genuine)
- Haha… (sadness)
- Snickering (disrespectful)
- Giggle (silly)
- Chuckle (brief and quiet)
- Chortle (gleeful)
- Cackling (loud shrieking)
- Howling (loud)
- Roaring (loud, boisterous)
- Crying (losing it from laughter)
- Scoff (dismissive)
- Mirthless (actually expresses anger or sadness)
How to describe smiles
- tight lipped or closed- lip smile, sometimes called a sly smile: this person has knowledge they have no intention of sharing. Masks true emotions. Often used by politicians and people who keep secrets. Similar to a wry smile (when they know something you don’t).
- twisted smile (one side up, one side down): shows someone is bewildered.
- forced smile: say cheeeese! The situation requires you to present a smile (with teeth) so you must fake it. This smile doesn’t reach the eyes.
- broad smile / wide grin: expressed genuine joy. This type of smile causes wrinkles around the eyes and is contagious.
- sneer: a conceited, mocking type of smile. the lips curls upwards but the eyes express disdain. The trait-mark smile of a narcissist.
- smug smile: has lips pressed together and one side raised higher than the other side. Also described as a crooked smile. This can be a sign of arrogance, satisfaction or flirtation.
- polite smile: is a closed lip smile for example used when greeting strangers
- open mouth smile: looks great on pictures as it radiates a sense of happiness but looks terrible up close in real life.
- Shy smile: favoured from women from men for its endearing effect. Induces the urge to protect and care for them.
- Grimace (non smile): mainly found in the animal kingdom as a sign of fear