What is the meaning of laughing to keep from crying?

"Laughing to keep from crying" refers to using humor as a coping mechanism to deal with difficult or painful emotions. It highlights the contrast between laughter and sadness, suggesting that people often resort to humor to mask their true feelings or to alleviate emotional distress. This phrase underscores the complexity of human emotions, where laughter serves as a temporary relief from pain or sorrow. Essentially, it reflects the resilience of the human spirit in facing adversity.