ha-ha
UK[hɑːˈhɑː]US[hɑˈhɑ]
n
A representation of the sound of laughter.
n
A ditch with a wall on its inner side below ground level, forming a boundary to a park or garden without interrupting the view.
Etymology
The word 'ha-ha' is a prime example of onomatopoeia, where the form of the word directly imitates the natural sound it describes—in this case, the sound of laughter. It entered English in the mid-16th century as a straightforward representation of this audible exclamation. The secondary, architectural meaning for a sunken fence or ditch, which emerged in the early 18th century, is said to derive from the exclamation of surprise one might utter upon unexpectedly encountering such a hidden barrier in the landscape. Thus, the word's journey connects the primal, universal sound of amusement to a specific, surprising feature of designed gardens.
Analysis
This is a reduplicative onomatopoeic formation, imitating the sound of laughter. It is not productively segmented into distinct morphemes with separate origins.
Examples
The joke was met with a chorus of ha-ha from the audience.
The estate was surrounded by a ha-ha, keeping the sheep out without spoiling the view.
He wrote "ha-ha" in the text message to show he was joking.