FUN WITH WORDS DEPT.

chortle

PRONUNCIATION:

(CHOR-tuhl)

MEANING:

noun: A joyful laugh.
verb tr., intr.: To laugh in a joyful manner.

ETYMOLOGY:

Coined by Lewis Carroll in his 1871 novel Through the Looking-Glass. A blend of chuckle + snort.

USAGE:

"The CMMDR had just finished his audition for the one-line part of Bystander #4 (the line was "Um…")when the producer, director and writer  stared in disbelief.  "Did you not understand the scene?" the 22 year old director CHORTLED.  "Yes, I--" the CMMDR sputtered.  The Casting director who had remained silent up to that point snapped "GET OUT!" When the CMMDR's moist girth finally waddled out and the door slammed shut the room erupted in a group CHORTLE.  "My god," said the 18 Year Old Producer, now CHORTLING with tears running down his face "What the hell was that?".  More CHORTLING ensued."