Blubbered Meaning: Definition and Examples

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blubbered

[ˈblʌb.ərd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

emotional state

Blubbered refers to the act of crying noisily and uncontrollably, typically in response to strong emotions such as sadness or distress. This term often carries a connotation of excessive or childlike crying.

Synonyms

cried, sobbed, wailed.

Examples of usage

  • He blubbered when he heard the bad news.
  • The child blubbered after falling off the swing.
  • She blubbered into her pillow after the breakup.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, 'blubbered' often conveys a strong emotional response, capturing the raw feelings of the character.
  • Charles Dickens frequently used vivid emotional descriptions, such as here, inviting readers to empathize deeply with characters in distress.

Psychology

  • Crying, as described by 'blubbered,' serves as a natural emotional release mechanism and can promote psychological well-being.
  • Research shows that emotional crying can stimulate the production of endorphins, helping to soothe emotional pain.

Pop Culture

  • The term often appears in movies and TV shows, portraying moments of intense sadness or comic relief, emphasizing exaggerated crying.
  • Comedians sometimes mimic 'blubbering' to create humor, showcasing its dual nature as both serious and light-hearted.

Art and Expression

  • Artists depict scenes of sorrow with figures that appear to be 'blubbering,' using exaggerated expressions to convey deep emotion.
  • This word often appears in contemporary music lyrics, capturing heartbreak and the catharsis of crying loudly and openly.

Origin of 'blubbered'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'blubberian,' which means to 'weep' or 'cry loudly.'
  • Related words like 'blubber' also refer to the fat of certain sea animals, adding a layer of emotional imagery with the 'bubbling' aspect of crying.

The word 'blubbered' is derived from the Middle English word 'blobberen,' which means 'to bubble' or 'to make a bubbling sound.' This, in turn, comes from Old English 'bloberian,' suggesting noise and movement associated with crying. The term 'blubber' itself originally referred to the thick layer of fat found under the skin of marine mammals, such as whales. Over time, the meaning of 'blubber' transitioned to refer to both the fat and the act of weeping or crying noisily. This evolution reflects how the sound and appearance of crying resemble the bubbling or blubbing of liquid. The emotional connotation of the word prevailed, especially in contexts indicating a loss of control during crying.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,821, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.