laughs

Laughs are a set of vocal expressions and facial movements commonly associated with amusement, joy, or social play. In humans, laughing typically involves rhythmic exhalations, spoken or silent, accompanied by a smile or other facial contortions. Laughter is not limited to positive emotion; it can also arise from nervousness, social nerves, or incongruity, and it ranges from quiet chuckles to loud guffaws.

Physiologically, laughter engages respiratory and vocal apparatus, including the diaphragm, larynx, and facial muscles. It often features a pattern of short bursts of air followed by periods of breath, and the sound may vary by individual and context. Laughter is frequently contagious: hearing others laugh can trigger laughter through social and neurological mirroring, a response linked to brain networks involved in imitation and emotion.

Socially, laughter functions as a cooperative signal that can ease tension, establish rapport, and mark group boundaries. It can indicate benign intentions, foster affiliation, and coordinate play or collective activities. The same signal may be used to manage conflict or assert dominance through humorous ridicule; context and tone determine interpretation.

Development and cultural variation: Laughter appears early in infancy and is recognized across cultures, though its frequency and acceptability vary. Cultural norms influence when and how laughter is expressed, and linguistic prosody can shape its sound.

Health and research: Laughter is associated with mood enhancement and stress reduction, and some studies report transient improvements in pain tolerance and immune markers. Laughter therapy is used in some clinical settings, but results are mixed and more rigorous research is needed to establish consistent benefits.