What is an ironic laugh?

An ironic laugh is a type of laughter that conveys a sense of amusement or disbelief at something unexpected, incongruous, or even unpleasant. It's a laugh that suggests:

* The situation is so absurd or ironic that laughter is the only appropriate response.

* The speaker doesn't actually find the situation funny, but they are laughing to acknowledge the absurdity.

* The laugh is often used to mask discomfort, embarrassment, or anger.

Here are some examples:

* "Ironic laugh" can be used as a phrase to describe the laughter itself. For example, "He let out an ironic laugh when he heard the news."

* "He laughed ironically" is another way to describe the act of laughing ironically.

* "He chuckled dryly" is another way to describe an ironic laugh, suggesting a restrained and cynical amusement.

In essence, an ironic laugh is a way of expressing a complex emotion that is difficult to articulate with words alone.