burst out laughing: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "burst out laughing" is a commonly used phrase in American English. It refers to the sudden and uncontrollable eruption of laughter. When someone bursts out laughing, it implies that their laughter is loud, sudden, and often unexpected.

The phrase has become deeply ingrained in the English language and is commonly used in a variety of contexts. It is frequently employed in everyday conversations, literature, and even comedy. When someone "bursts out laughing," it suggests that the laughter is so intense that it can no longer be contained, and it erupts from the individual involuntarily.

It is worth noting that the idiom is broader in meaning than simply laughing out loud. The term "burst" implies a sudden and explosive release, which adds an element of surprise and intensity to the laughter. This idiom is often used to convey the idea that the laughter was unexpected and caught the person off guard.

Furthermore, the phrase "burst out laughing" is often used figuratively in situations where someone finds something extremely amusing or entertaining. It can be employed to describe the collapse of one's composure when faced with something uproariously funny. In such instances, the laughter is so overwhelming that it cannot be concealed or suppressed any longer.

The origin of the idiom is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have emerged in the late 18th or early 19th century. The word "burst" in this context means to erupt or explode, emphasizing the sudden and forceful nature of the laughter. The idiom "burst out laughing" is often used to describe a situation that is particularly funny or unexpected, causing someone to laugh uncontrollably.

When someone "bursts out laughing," it is similar to them "bursting into tears." Both phrases describe an uncontrollable emotional response that is sudden and intense. While "burst out laughing" refers to laughing uncontrollably, "burst into tears" describes someone suddenly and unexpectedly starting to cry.

Another related idiom is "crack up." This phrase can be used interchangeably with "burst out laughing" in many cases. It means to suddenly start laughing uncontrollably. The word "crack" in this context suggests that the person is breaking apart due to the force of their laughter. Like "burst out laughing," "crack up" emphasizes the sudden, explosive nature of the laughter.

Similarly, the idiom "laugh one's head off" is closely related to "burst out laughing." This phrase is used to describe an extreme reaction to something funny. When someone "laughs their head off," it means that they are laughing so hard and for so long that they feel as if their head might come off or explode from the force of their laughter.

The idiom "burst out laughing" is a widely used expression that describes a sudden, explosive eruption of laughter. It conveys the idea of uncontrollable and intense laughter that is both unexpected and involuntary. The precise origins of the idiom may be unclear, but its usage is well-established in American English. This idiom captures the essence of uncontrollable laughter, providing a vivid image of the outburst that occurs when confronted with something hilariously amusing.