I've noticed that after you get into an argument of some sort with someone, you tend to laugh more (in a bad way) when asked about the person(s). For example... John gets badly beaten up by a group of Mexicans. After that, Jane tells a joke that would be considered racist, but John would laugh. Or, Joe said something negative about John and this made him mad. John and Joe proceed to fight each other. A little later, Jane says something like, "Joe works at a strip club!" John LOUDLY laughs about this, even though John knows Joe really works at a restaurant.
So does anyone know what the exact word be for this kind of thing? It's not exactly racism, but I can't figure out what would be a good word to describe it... (if any of that made sense) Any suggestions as to what this might be called?
Bitterness.
Laughter has survival and health benefits, but its purpose is complex and mysterious. It seems to serve as a mask to hide weakness or a lack of preparation for shifts in the environment. Laughter is often a reaction to the unexpected. I'd expand further on my wise and learned discourse, but my voice is attracting a swarm of blackflies.
I thought that was called gossip.[img style="CURSOR: pointer" onclick=url(this.src); src="vny!://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/smilie/froehlich/c020.gif" border=0]
why did the mexicans beat up john?
I'm not thinking of bitterness or gossip. Adam's got it right, but I'm still lost for a name... by the way, nobody got beat up.
The term I think you're looking for is derisive.
Good call Some Chick !!! THAT'S IT !!!!
Here's a better topic to bump than one about academe. *Insert derisive laughter here*
You've spoiled it by mentioning her name.
True, but I stayed on topic by providing an example of the use of the word!
C'mon... :(
I tried!
Please try harder!
I had thought of the word "contemptuous" to describe the situation. That's also the word I would use to describe DV.