giggle

A giggle is a light, spontaneous form of laughter characterized by a high-pitched, bubbling or throaty sound that tends to occur in short bursts. It is often associated with amusement, embarrassment, social play, or nervousness, and can be contagious in group settings. Unlike a sustained laugh, a giggle is usually less forceful and may involve more breathy exhalations and quick, repetitive sounds.

The word giggle is believed to be onomatopoeic, imitating the sound of such laughter. It functions as a verb (to giggle) and a noun (a giggle), with the plural giggles referring to multiple instances. The term has been part of English for several centuries and remains common in everyday speech and writing.

In social contexts, giggling often signals friendliness and bonding, but it can also express embarrassment or nervous humor. It is especially common among children and in playful situations; among adults, it may indicate lightheartedness or relief. Compared with a chuckle (a softer, more subdued laugh) or a snicker (a suppressed or derisive laugh), a giggle tends to convey spontaneity and buoyancy. The concept appears frequently in literature, film, and media as a descriptor for cheerful or whimsical mood, and as a linguistic cue for a character’s personality or emotional state.