1 B2 idiomatic informal
To dismiss a criticism, embarrassment, or insult by laughing and acting as if it doesn't matter.
"She laughed off the negative review, saying every great artist gets misunderstood at first."
separable
laugh off
B2 informal separable transitive
To respond to something embarrassing, critical, or unpleasant by laughing at it, treating it as unimportant.
In plain English
To not let something bother you by laughing about it instead of taking it seriously.
What does "laugh off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To dismiss a minor injury or setback with humour, refusing to treat it as serious.
"The player laughed off a knock to his shoulder and carried on with the game."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To push something 'off' — away from you — using laughter; the laugh sends the unpleasant thing away.
Actually means
To not let something bother you by laughing about it instead of taking it seriously.
Usage tip
Common in both British and American English. The laughter may be genuine or slightly forced — a social tool to show that something doesn't bother you. Often used in contexts of criticism, injury, or embarrassment.
Words that pair with "laugh off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
criticism injury embarrassment accusation insult setback
How to conjugate "laugh off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
laugh off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
laughs off
he/she/it
Past simple
laughed off
yesterday
Past participle
laughed off
have + pp
-ing form
laughing off
continuous
Hear "laugh off" in the wild
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