What is laughter?

Laughter is when your body makes happy sounds because something funny happens.

Laughter is like a silly dance your body does, it starts in your brain and ends with your mouth making funny noises that others can hear. When you laugh, it's like when you giggle after hearing a joke or seeing someone trip on a banana peel. Your whole body joins in: your stomach might feel like it’s doing jumping jacks, and your face will probably look like it’s having the best time ever.

Imagine you're playing with a friend, and they do something unexpected, maybe they try to balance on one foot and fall over. Your brain says, “That was funny!” So it sends a message down your spine, and suddenly your body starts making snorty or giggly sounds.

Laughter helps you feel happy and relaxed. It's like when you bounce on a trampoline, it makes you feel light and joyous inside. Sometimes, laughing is just the way we show we're having fun with others, like when you're playing tag or telling stories at bedtime.