pity laugh

a half-assed laugh that you give as a reaction to a stupid story or comment, pity laughs are usually used when the story or comment is ment to be funny but really isn't

a half assed chuckle towards someone who thinks they have said something funny.but really they have not.it is not funny at all and you feel obligated to laugh so the moment isnt awkward.pity laughs are out of the ordinary short soft laughs.the one giving the pity laugh might say that was funny at the end instead of giving you a real laugh.