Hoichi toichi describes how a baby or toddler is acting when they are laughing and crying at the same time. When babies and toddlers get very tired but also find
something hilarious, they will laugh and cry concurrently and intermittently. One never quite knows which way it will go. It’s a
heightened dual-emotion and signals that it is time for a nap. It can also be used as a noun.
Oh no, he’s
getting hoichi toichi, we better get him home for a nap!
She’s got the hoichi toichis, let’s
give her a bottle
and then try to get her to sleep.