What is a chortle? Joey Votto reacts after Shohei Ohtani signs record-breaking deal

Fans across the United States, and Canada, were fixed to social media for the past two or three days as the entire baseball world awaited Shohei Ohtani's decision. The biggest free agent in the sport's history was set to make a monumental decision that could shake the very foundation of Major League Baseball.

Not only was Ohtani's future sure to involve the largest contract in the history of baseball, but his mysterious negotiations were gumming up the works as well. Even Reds fans, who didn't have a dog in the fight, were eager for the Japanese superstar to make his decision so that the rest of the offseason could unfold.

But when news of the 10-year/$700-million contract hit the airwaves on Saturday, almost everyone's reaction was a mixture of shock and awe. Former Cincinnati Reds great Joey Votto even chortled out loud. Wait, what? Is that even in a word? What is a chortle?

What is a chortle? Joey Votto reacts after Shohei Ohtani signs record-breaking deal

I like to think that I have a decent grasp of the English language. But like so many of you, when I saw Joey Votto's social media post, I had to look up what the heck 'chortled' meant.

If you didn't have to do the same, I commend you. But it's a good bet that Merriam-Webster.com saw an increase in the search for the word 'chortle' on Saturday afternoon. According to the website, chortle means to laugh or chuckle especially when amused or pleased.

Joey Votto has always been one to choose his words carefully, and this is just another example.

Votto, won't be setting records like Shohei Ohtani, as the six-time All-Star is still searching for a new team of his own after the Cincinnati Reds declined to pick up his $20-million club-option.

After Shohei Ohtani signed with the Dodgers, Los Angeles' roster now boasts three former MVPs. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman will team up with Ohtani next season in hopes of brining a World Series back to LA. Perhaps Votto, a former MVP in his own right, will join the party at Chavez Ravine.