[Lexicog] words for different kinds of laughter

[Fritz Goerling]

I am interested in how different kinds of laughter are expressed in
different languages and what principles (of word formation, onomatopoeia,
etc.) are followed in building these words.

Some examples from English and German:

 

English                                German

 

to chuckle                            glucksen (not an exact equivalent)

to giggle                               kichern

to cackle                              gackern

to snicker/snigger              ?

to titter                                  one would have to describe it by
a paraphrase or show it

 

What elements enter into play as differentiating factors? Who does what,
when, under which circumstances?

Agent (individual or group; gender), patient (absence or presence),
differences in rank (social situation)?

 

 

Fritz Goerling

 

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