Definition: That unnervingly flat chuckle someone makes after casually dropping a deeply morbid or hopeless statement—like joking about not needing retirement plans or sighing, “Wouldn’t mind if a bus hit me today.” It’s not dark humor; it’s a numb, hollow sound that turns existential dread into small talk.
The laugh lacks warmth or timing, often followed by eerie calm. People mistake it for edgy wit, but it’s actually the vocal shrug of someone who’s emotionally checked out. Their eyes stay distant, like they’re narrating someone else’s life. Spotting it means the person’s “I’m fine” armor has cracks.
Example:
After saying she didn’t need long-term savings because she wouldn’t live that long anyway, she gave a short, flat chuckle devoid of any real humor.
He sighed “Honestly, getting hit by a bus sounds peaceful,” then let out a numb, hollow laugh, his eyes staring right through me.