blub: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Colloquial, Somewhat Childish
Quick answer
What does “blub” mean?
To cry noisily and uncontrollably.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To cry noisily and uncontrollably.
To cry in an exaggerated, childish, or undignified manner. Can also refer to the sound or bubbles made when submerged in liquid, particularly in humorous or cartoonish contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common and accepted in informal British English. In American English, it is understood but often perceived as more childish or dated.
Connotations
In UK, can be used by adults self-deprecatingly ("I just blubbed through the entire film"). In US, more likely used by/for children or in a deliberately old-fashioned/cartoonish way.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but higher in UK informal speech.
Grammar
How to Use “blub” in a Sentence
intransitive: He blubbed.transitive (rare, informal): Don't blub your eyes out.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blub” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She had a bit of a blub when her team lost the cup final.
- The toddler started to blub after dropping his ice cream.
American English
- In the old cartoon, the character would always blub when he got scared.
- Don't blub about it; just tell me what happened.
adverb
British English
- N/A (Not standard).
American English
- N/A (Not standard).
adjective
British English
- N/A (Not standard).
American English
- N/A (Not standard).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Never used.
Everyday
Informal contexts, often with children, or humorously/self-deprecatingly among adults.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blub”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Spelling as 'blubb' (double 'b' is incorrect).
- Using it to describe silent crying.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a real, informal verb found in dictionaries, but its usage is colloquial and often associated with childish or undignified crying.
'Cry' is the general, neutral term. 'Weep' is more literary and suggests quiet, sorrowful tears. 'Blub' is informal and emphasizes noisy, messy, often self-indulgent crying.
Rarely. While one might say "have a good blub" informally, it is primarily a verb. The standard noun is "blubber" (for crying) or "blubbering".
It can be dismissive or belittling, as it minimizes their emotions. It's best used only in very casual, familiar, or humorous contexts where the tone is clear.
To cry noisily and uncontrollably.
Blub is usually informal, colloquial, somewhat childish in register.
Blub: in British English it is pronounced /blʌb/, and in American English it is pronounced /blʌb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “blub one's eyes out”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BUBble bursting from an eye, making a 'blub' sound. BLUB sounds like the blubbering noise of someone crying messily.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRYING IS THE EMISSION OF A FLUID/SOUND (like bubbles in water).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'blub' MOST appropriate?