Bobble Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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bobble
[ˈbɒb.əl ]
Definitions
in fashion
A small ball or tuft of fabric, typically on a garment or a hat.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The beanie hat had a cute bobble on top.
- The sweater had colorful bobbles on the sleeves.
in sports
To mishandle or fumble the ball in a sports game, especially in baseball or cricket.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bobble |
This word is often used in sports, especially in American football, to describe a momentary loss of control of the ball that is quickly recovered.
|
| fumble |
This word is also commonly used in sports contexts, particularly in American football. It signifies an awkward or clumsy attempt to handle or hold onto an object, often leading to losing control of it.
|
| mishandle |
This term is used in more formal or serious contexts and implies poor or incompetent handling of something, often with negative consequences. It can describe actions both physical and metaphorical.
|
| drop |
This word is more general and can be used in various situations to describe something falling or being let go from one's grasp. It often implies complete loss of possession.
|
Examples of usage
- The outfielder bobbled the ball, allowing the runner to advance.
- The fielder bobbled the catch, resulting in a dropped ball.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- Bobbleheaded figures have become popular collectibles, often portraying celebrities and sports stars.
- In films and TV shows, characters with bobbleheads are often used for comic relief or to symbolize lightheartedness.
- The 'Bobble' hairstyle during the 80s was a trend characterized by tight curls that appeared to 'bobble' with movement.
Games and Sports
- In sports, 'bobbling' a ball means to momentarily lose control of it, often leading to entertaining and chaotic plays.
- Bobblehead night is a common promotional event in major league sports, where fans receive bobblehead dolls of players.
- In video games, a 'bobble' often refers to animated characters that jerk or bounce, enhancing the playful feel of the game.
Science
- In physics, 'bobbling' can describe particles in a liquid that move up and down due to buoyancy.
- Study of 'bobble' effects in acoustics helps understand sound waves in various environments, illustrating how vibrations travel.
- Bobbling behavior is observed in some animals during mating rituals, where they move up and down to attract attention.
Literature
- In children's literature, characters might 'bobble' as a way to express their joy or excitement during a story.
- The use of 'bobble' in poetry can evoke feelings of playfulness and whimsy, often used to characterize playful movement.
- In classic children's tales, bobbling objects often symbolize magic, highlighting the fantastical nature of the story.
Origin of 'bobble'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'bobble' is believed to originate from the word 'bob', which means to move quickly up and down.
- First recorded use of the word in print was in the early 20th century, relating to toys and objects that shake.
- The playful sound of 'bobble' mimics the action it describes, making it a fitting example of onomatopoeia.
The word 'bobble' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the verb 'bob' meaning 'to move up and down with a short, jerky motion'. It initially referred to a small object hanging or shaking loosely, which later evolved to describe the small decorative balls or tufts seen on clothing or accessories today.