Comedy Quote by Oliver Goldsmith
“The malicious sneer is improperly called laughter.”
About This Quote
Source Play: She Stoops to Conquer, 1773
People often mistake hostile mockery for genuine amusement, confusing contempt with joy.
In simple terms: Mockery can look like laughter.
Key Takeaway
Recognize true intent behind laughter.
Themes
misunderstanding
humor
social perception
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- social gatherings
- online comments
- political debates
- workplace meetings
Key Concepts
psychology
communication
emotions
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate genuine joy from sarcasm?
- What cues reveal mockery?
A Different Perspective
Not all laughter is friendly; context matters.
![“[T]here are depths of thousands of miles which are hidden from our inquiry. The only tidings we have from those unfathomable regions are by means of volcanoes, those burning mountains that seem to discharge their materials from the lowest abysses of the earth.” quote by Oliver Goldsmith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b7d/oliver-goldsmith-772_abyss_t-here-are-depths-of-thousands-of-miles_88121.jpg)
