Flub Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flub

[flÊŒb ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

communication

To make a mess of something; to botch or bungle something.

Synonyms

botch, bungle, mess up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flub

Primarily used in casual or informal situations to indicate a minor mistake or error, often in speech or performance.

  • I flubbed my lines during the presentation.
  • She flubbed the high note in her song.
botch

Often used to describe a task done very poorly or incompetently, and usually conveys stronger disapproval than 'flub'. It can be used in both casual and formal settings.

  • He completely botched the repair job.
  • They botched the project's planning phase.
bungle

Generally suggests a clumsy or inept handling of a task, leading to failure or mistake. It's a bit more formal than 'mess up' but still common in both casual and formal contexts.

  • She bungled the negotiation process.
  • The company bungled their product launch.
mess up

This is a very casual and commonly used phrase suitable for indicating mistakes or errors in a broad range of situations, from minor to significant errors.

  • I really messed up on the final exam.
  • He messed up the entire meal preparation.

Examples of usage

  • I really flubbed my presentation at work today.
  • She flubbed her lines during the play.
  • Don't flub this opportunity to impress the interviewer.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A mistake or error, especially in performance or speech.

Synonyms

blunder, error, mistake.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flub

Use this word for minor mistakes, especially in informal or casual conversations. It often implies a small or clumsy error that is usually not serious.

  • She flubbed her lines during the rehearsal
  • He flubbed the catch in the last minute of the game
mistake

Use this word in general for any wrong action or decision. It can be used in both casual and formal settings and is a common way to describe an error.

  • I made a mistake on my test
  • It was a mistake to arrive late to the meeting
error

Use this word in both formal and informal contexts to describe any mistake, regardless of its severity. It's a neutral term that can cover a wide range of scenarios.

  • There was an error in the calculation
  • The software is not running properly due to a coding error
blunder

Use this word for significant or serious mistakes, often involving a lapse in judgment. It usually has a heavier and more negative implication.

  • His blunder in the report cost the company a major client
  • She made a blunder by not verifying the information before the presentation

Examples of usage

  • The singer made a flub during the concert.
  • His flub in the game cost his team the victory.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The term 'flub' gained popularity in the 1970s, especially in comedy sketches where actors would deliberately make silly mistakes.
  • In the realm of film and television, a 'flub' can be a blooper, providing fans with laughs and sometimes becoming part of iconic moments.
  • Shows like 'Saturday Night Live' often showcase flubs to highlight the humorous side of live performances.

Psychology

  • Making a flub can lead to feelings of embarrassment, but it can also foster resilience and learning from mistakes.
  • Research indicates that individuals who embrace their flubs tend to have a better self-esteem and can learn from their failures more effectively.
  • Recognizing a flub as part of the growth process can reduce anxiety in high-pressure situations like public speaking.

Literature

  • Many comedic novels and plays incorporate flubs as a way to drive the plot and develop characters, showcasing the humor in human fallibility.
  • Authors often create relatable characters who face flubs, making stories more engaging and allowing readers to connect through shared experiences of awkwardness.
  • Classic works of literature utilize flubs to depict societal norms, with characters blundering through life, thus reflecting real human experiences.

Technology

  • In the tech world, a 'flub' could refer to errors in coding or software development, reminding developers that mistakes are part of innovation.
  • User feedback often includes mentions of flubs, helping companies improve their products by understanding user experiences with glitches.
  • Games, especially in multiplayer formats, frequently deal with player flubs, leading to hilarious moments and community bonding.

Origin of 'flub'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'flub' originated in the early 20th century, likely from the Yiddish language, adapting its playful sound.
  • Its earliest known use relates to a theatrical context, where it described a blunder on stage.
  • Over time, the term expanded beyond theater to explain any sort of mistake.

The origin of the word 'flub' is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in American English in the early 20th century. It is thought to be an alteration of the word 'fluff,' which means a mistake or error. Over time, 'flub' has become commonly used in informal contexts to describe a mistake or error in performance or speech.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,310, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.