Giggles
/ˈɡɪɡəlz/
nounverbA2plural (for noun), third person singular present (for verb)
Definition
Giggles are small, soft laughs that people make when they find something funny or feel happy and shy. As a noun, "giggles" means these quiet laughs themselves. As a verb, "giggles" means the action of laughing in this light, repeated way.
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See It in Action
Noun: Soft, repeated laughs showing amusement or happiness
- •The children’s giggles filled the room during the party.
- •She couldn’t stop her giggles when the joke was told.
- •Quiet giggles came from the back of the classroom.
Verb: To laugh in a soft, repeated way
- •She giggles every time she hears that funny story.
- •He giggles when he feels shy around new people.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "giggles" like "laughs" (A1 word), but much softer, quieter, and often shorter
- ✓Picture a group of children whispering and laughing quietly together, covering their mouths
- ✓It's the feeling when you see something funny but want to be polite or secretive about laughing
- ✓Sounds like "giggle" → imagine a soft, quick "gig-gig" sound like tiny bells ringing happily
- ✓Remember moments in school when friends share a secret and start giggling quietly so the teacher doesn't hear
- ✓NOT like "shout" (loud noise), giggles are soft and gentle sounds of laughter
- ✓NOT like "cry" (sad tears), giggles show happiness or fun feelings
- ✓NOT like "smile" (no sound), giggles involve sound and movement of the mouth
Try Other Words
- •Chuckle: a quiet, low laugh (Use when the laugh is soft but more controlled and less repeated)
- •Snicker: a quiet, often secret or slightly naughty laugh (Use when the laugh is a little sneaky or teasing)
- •Titter: a nervous or restrained giggle (Use when the laugh shows nervousness or embarrassment)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "giggle" (root word) + "s" (plural for noun or third person singular for verb)
- •Etymology: Originates from English imitation of the sound of light laughter, first recorded in the late 1500s
- •Historical development: Used to describe light laughter mostly from children or shy people; has kept same meaning over time
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe soft, repeated laughter in informal speaking and writing, especially about children or shy adults
Reflect & Connect
•When do you usually hear or use the word "giggles" in your daily life?
•How do giggles change the feeling of a conversation compared to loud laughter or silence?
Fill in the blanks
1.The children’s giggles ___ the room with happiness during the game.
2.She tried to stop her giggles because the teacher was ___.
3.Unlike loud laughs, giggles are usually ___ and quiet.
4.When people feel shy or embarrassed, they often ___ softly instead of laughing loudly.
5.The sound of giggles often ___ a friendly and fun atmosphere.
6.He giggles every time someone tells a ___ joke.
7.You might hear giggles when friends share a ___ secret.