French Expression · Intermediate
rire jaune
to laugh in a forced way, to give a hollow laugh, to laugh grudgingly
Pronunciation: /ʁiʁ ʒon/
Meaning
to laugh in a forced way, to give a hollow laugh, to laugh grudgingly
Example
Il avait dit quelque chose de désagréable comme « elle a l'air tellement quiche celle-là je préfère encore me taper une meuf en plastique » et Alexandre avait ri jaune.
I use the word "rire jaune".
Practice tips
- Practice rire jaune out loud — read the pronunciation guide above and repeat.
- Use it in your own sentence today; reuse beats rereading.
- Pay attention to context: this French expression is for intermediate-level learners.