What does blubbing mean?
Blubbing is the act of crying noisily and uncontrollably — the kind of tearful outburst that involves sobbing, sniffing, and little attempt at composure. The word functions as the present participle of the verb 'blub', which is chiefly British and informal in register. To describe someone as blubbing is usually to suggest their crying is somewhat undignified or over-the-top, and the tone can be gently mocking, affectionate, or simply descriptive depending on context. It is far more likely to appear in casual conversation, journalism, or fiction than in formal writing, where 'weeping' or 'sobbing' would be preferred. A typical use might be 'he was blubbing by the end of the film'. Related forms include the base verb 'blub' and the noun 'blubber', which shares the same imitative origin. For learners of English, 'blubbing' is a useful word for capturing the specific flavour of noisy, emotional, slightly comic crying.
Crying noisily and uncontrollably.
"The children were blubbing after being told the puppy had to go back."
Informal; chiefly British.
An instance of noisy, uncontrolled crying.
"There was much blubbing at the farewell party."
'Blub' is one of those wonderfully expressive English words that sounds exactly like what it describes — a wet, wobbly, undignified kind of crying.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of blubbing
The verb 'blub' arose in English as an imitative or expressive formation, echoing the sound of noisy sobbing. It is closely related to 'blubber', which historically meant both to weep noisily and to refer to the fat of whales and other sea mammals — both senses emerging from the same expressive root. 'Blub' has been used since at least the early 17th century, and its participle 'blubbing' remains current chiefly in British informal speech.
Related word forms
How blubbing is actually used
'Blubbing' is informal and slightly humorous or dismissive in tone, more common in British English than American English. It implies loud, uncontrolled, somewhat undignified weeping rather than quiet tears.
Easily confused with blubbing
Both mean noisy crying, but 'blubbing' is the shorter chiefly British informal form derived from 'blub', while 'blubbering' comes from 'blubber', which also refers to whale fat.