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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Distinguish laughing with someone from laughing at them, and use laughter idioms without minimizing harm.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThe episode contrasts “laugh with” someone and “laugh at” them, then introduces “laughingstock,” “have the last laugh,” and “laugh it off.” It also discusses the sayings “laughter is the best medicine” and “misery loves company.” These expressions can communicate solidarity, ridicule, eventual success, or coping—but laughter is not a replacement for healthcare or support.
Cultural note: Do not use “laughter is the best medicine” to discourage medical care or minimize someone’s distress. “Laughingstock” is hurtful when used to shame a person. Humor can help some people cope, but it is not appropriate in every situation.
Keep exploringA laugh can bring people together, or make one person feel humiliated. Small prepositions and idioms reveal which one is happening.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Describe humor that people enjoy together.
Meaning
Share a joke or laugh together with another person.
Tone & use
Usually positive when everyone welcomes the humor.
Example
“We laughed with our friend about the harmless mix-up after she told the story herself.”
Recognize expressions for being mocked.
Meaning
Make someone the target of laughter or ridicule.
Tone & use
Often hurtful. Distinguish shared humor from mocking a person who has not agreed to the joke.
Example
“The students laughed at the new classmate, so the teacher interrupted and checked whether she was okay.”
Meaning
A person or thing that others treat as ridiculous or worthy of mockery.
Tone & use
Strongly negative and humiliating. Avoid labeling a person this way; describe the unfair treatment instead.
Example
“The prank turned the employee into a laughingstock online, and the company removed the post.”
Talk about handling a setback or succeeding later.
Meaning
Succeed or prove right after others expected you to fail.
Tone & use
Often triumphant or playful; it can sound vindictive if success depends on another person’s embarrassment.
Example
“The small bookstore had the last laugh when its community events brought more customers back.”
Meaning
Treat an awkward or difficult moment as unimportant by responding with humor.
Tone & use
Can show resilience, but do not pressure someone to laugh off serious harm or distress.
Example
“She laughed off the minor stage mistake, then asked the organizer to fix the microphone.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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