This study utilized a mixed method, phenomenological approach to better understand the lived experience of suppressed laughter. Study 1 utilized an empirical, phenomenological analysis of 17 first-person descriptions of suppressed laughter, which identified various essential themes, including the key findings that suppressed laughter occurred within a social context in which laughter was not appropriate and in which the presence of a confidant increased the pressure to laugh. Study 2 was a follow-up, experimental study, which included 107 participants who read 4 pairs of second-person perspective narratives. Participants found scenarios to be more humorous when a friend was present and when the social context was laughter-inappropriate. In addition, participants were more likely to endorse emotion suppression in laughter-inappropriate contexts, but less likely to endorse suppression when in the presence of a friend.