Definition

1. Phrase:
   • To laugh it off / to respond with an evasive laugh: A social strategy where one laughs briefly or smiles in a non-committal way to avoid giving a direct answer, to deflect an uncomfortable question, or to politely dismiss a comment without engaging with its substance. It indicates a reluctance to address the topic directly.

Usage Examples

• Phrase:
  • Khi tôi hỏi về tin đồn, anh ấy chỉ cười trừ. (When I asked about the rumor, he just laughed it off.)
  • Cô ấy cười trừ trước câu hỏi tế nhị đó. (She gave an evasive laugh in response to that delicate question.)
  • "Cậu có thích cô ấy không?" – "Haha", nó cười trừ rồi bỏ đi. ("Do you like her?" – "Haha," he laughed it off and walked away.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often describes a non-verbal cue in conversation that serves as a polite or defensive mechanism. It is not a genuine laugh of amusement but a social tool for avoidance.
• It can imply embarrassment, secrecy, or a desire to change the subject without causing offense.

Variants and Related Words

• Cười gượng (v): to force a smile, to smile awkwardly.

  • Nghe xong, anh ấy cười gượng. (After listening, he forced a smile.)

• Cười nhạt (v): to give a faint, insincere, or indifferent smile.

  • Cô ấy đáp lại bằng một nụ cười nhạt. (She replied with a faint smile.)

Synonyms

• To deflect with a laugh: To avoid by laughing.
• To give a non-committal laugh: To laugh without expressing an opinion.
• To dodge the question with a smile: To evade answering by smiling.

Related Idioms

• Cười cho qua chuyện: To laugh to let the matter pass; similar in function to "cười trừ" for smoothing over an awkward moment.
  • Thấy không khí căng thẳng, ông ấy cười cho qua chuyện. (Seeing the tense atmosphere, he laughed to let the matter pass.)