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sghignazzare

to cackle

verb zghee-nyat-TSAH-reh Rare

Also means

to guffaw

Usage Note

Sghignazzare describes a loud, derisive, or contemptuous laugh — often mocking. It is more expressive than ridere (to laugh) and carries a negative connotation of scorn. It conjugates as a regular -are verb and takes avere as its auxiliary.

Examples

"I ragazzi sghignazzavano in fondo alla classe."

Natural Translation

The boys were cackling at the back of the class.

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