What does blubbering mean?
Blubbering describes loud, uncontrolled weeping — the kind of crying that involves heaving sobs, tears, and often incoherent speech. It functions both as the present participle of the verb 'to blubber' and as a noun denoting a fit of such crying. The word carries distinctly informal, and frequently unflattering, connotations: describing an adult as blubbering suggests they have lost their dignity or composure, which makes the term common in criticism, mockery, or affectionate teasing rather than neutral description. It appears in phrases like 'a blubbering mess' and 'reduced to blubbering'. Derived from 'blubber', a Middle English word originally meaning bubble or foam, the term vividly evokes a tear-streaked, trembling face. For writers seeking a word that conveys noisy, undignified distress rather than quiet grief, blubbering is precise and evocative.
Weeping noisily and uncontrollably, especially in a childish or undignified way.
"Stop blubbering and tell me what happened."
Often carries a mildly critical tone when directed at someone who is expected to keep their composure.
Noisy, uncontrolled crying; an instance of such weeping.
"Her blubbering subsided once she had a cup of tea."
Before it meant crying, 'blubber' was a word for bubbles and foam — which is exactly what a blubbering face looks like.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of blubbering
Blubbering derives from the verb 'blubber', which appeared in Middle English meaning to bubble up, foam, or swell — likely of imitative or Low Germanic origin, with parallels suggested in Dutch and other Germanic languages. By the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, English speakers had extended the word to describe noisy weeping, drawing on the image of a face bubbling over with tears and mucus. The same base word also came to denote whale fat, whose soft, quivering texture recalled the original sense. Related Germanic forms include 'blub' and the broader family of expressive 'bl-' words such as 'blob' and 'bubble'.
Related word forms
How blubbering is actually used
Informal and often mildly derogatory or dismissive in tone when applied to adults, suggesting loss of composure or self-control. It implies audible, messy crying rather than quiet tears. More common in British informal speech than American, though widely understood in both varieties.
Easily confused with blubbering
Blubbering means crying noisily, while blabbering means talking rapidly, foolishly, or indiscreetly.