Here are some ways to think about the word "chortle":
* Think of a Santa Claus-like laugh: A deep, full-bodied sound with a hint of mischievousness.
* Imagine a goblin or troll laughing: A bit rough around the edges, but still cheerful.
* Picture someone enjoying a good joke: It's a happy, satisfying laugh.
Here are some synonyms for "chortle":
* Chuckle
* Giggle
* Snicker
* Guffaw
Example sentence: The old man chortled at the children's silly antics.