laugh
When used as a verb, "laugh" is often followed by the preposition "at." Depending on the context, this can mean you find something funny or that you are making fun of someone. As a noun, "a laugh" can refer to the sound itself or describe a person who is fun to be around (e.g., "He's a real laugh").
💬Casual Conversation
🎬Tuesday afternoon, Chloe is procrastinating on a term paper in the library.
Chloe Smith
My bank account balance is actually a joke. I can't even laugh anymore.
Maya
Stop blowing your cash on iced coffee and you might actually get by.
💡
Chloe uses 'laugh' to express a state of despair where her financial situation is so dire it has moved past being funny. Maya responds with a blunt reality check, using the phrasal verb 'blowing [money]' (spending wastefully) and 'get by' (survive financially).
Meanings
verb (intransitive)
To make spontaneous sounds and movements of the face and body that indicate amusement or happiness.
"The children began to laugh when they saw the clown."
verb (transitive)
To express derision or mockery toward someone or something.
"It is unkind to laugh at someone who makes a mistake."