I feel they convey completely different meanings. The former expresses villainy and the latter derision. That’s my story.
I agree, except I always do the villainous one as “mwa-ha-ha” and to
be truly derisive the other should be “BWA-HA-HA!”
Yes, two very different meanings.
When my arch-nemesis falls into my diabolical trap: “Mwa-ha-ha!”
When my arch-nemesis’ mom falls on a sheet of ice: “Bwa-ha-ha!”
When my arch-nemesis’ cow falls off a cliff: “Moo-ha-ha!”
Ah, the old mwa- versus moo- conundrum. I thought this had been debunked years ago.
To encircle the phenomenon, we have, at the other end of the spectrum, tee-hee, snort and hmpf.
Perhaps, but I’m a creature of habit, and I’ll be "mwa-ha-ha"ing until I’m old and gray- although my days of villainy are mostly over.
Zeldar, what about snicker?
Yes, and you forgot snerk as well!
And what of brew ha ha?
Oh, to be sure. My best work buddy was always referring to chortle and cavort.
A kid we used to mock had this “knnk-knnk-knnk” thing that usually provoked a sharp rap on his upper arm – when we were being merciful.
An unvoiced cackle/giggle/chuckle, with head thrown back and lots of body movement, but no sound, can be very effective for displaying maximum contempt.
he he he You guys…
So the fact that “mwa” and “bwa” sound very similar hasn’t caused you problems amongst the hard of hearing? A misunderstood preface could result in a painful punch in the mouth or in somebody not paying the rent.
Ah, I see your point. A “moo-ha-ha” could be miscontrued as a bovine donnybrook.
My favorite is the short but sweet “heh.” So much disdain in such a small word.
Not at all; it’s all in the body language. The “mwa-ha-ha” is usually delivered while rubbing my hands, and with a sneer. The “bwa-ha-ha” is usually louder, with the mouth more open, the head tilted back, and a derisive sideways glance.
“Moo-ha-ha?” Is our villain a mutant cow? I’ll accept “muah-ha-ha” or perhaps “mwa-ha-ha,” even though the second one looks more like shorthand for the kissing onotamopoeia and you really don’t want to confuse those two. I agree that “bwa-ha-ha” is more derisive. The “bwa” should probably be capitalized.
In stark contrast, consider Brando’s “HAH HAH” in A Streetcar Named Desire where he literally screams it at Blanche and/or Stella in one his more demonstrative outbursts.
It’s so very effective in an otherwise quiet and sedate surroundings when the purpose of the outburst is far removed in seriousness from the laugh itself. It might cause others to faint or soil themselves. To be reserved for “just the right moment” as it were.
[Bolding mine]
Good point; however, the additional “ha-ha” should be enough to eliminate any confusion. But “muah-ha-ha” is probably better.
Thisis a moo-ha-ha.
Yes, but that moment of hesitation would deflate the impact of the laugh.
What about ‘mua-ha-ha’?