lobber: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, Sports
Quick answer
What does “lobber” mean?
A person or machine that throws, or lobs, something (especially a ball) in a high, slow arc.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or machine that throws, or lobs, something (especially a ball) in a high, slow arc.
Informally, can refer to a persistent critic or someone who verbally attacks in a sustained but not necessarily skilled manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In sports contexts, slightly more common in UK English (e.g., cricket, tennis). The metaphorical 'critic' sense is rare in both but marginally more attested in US political commentary.
Connotations
Neutral-to-slightly-derogatory in sports (can imply a lack of power or sophistication). Derogatory in the metaphorical sense, implying unsophisticated, repetitive criticism.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both varieties. Almost exclusively found in specific sports commentary or very informal figurative use.
Grammar
How to Use “lobber” in a Sentence
[lobber] of [object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially metaphorical: 'He's just a lobber of unfounded accusations.'
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Very rare outside of specific sports discussions.
Technical
Used in sports coaching and analysis (tennis, cricket) to describe a player's style.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lobber”
- Using 'lobber' to mean a generic thrower in non-arc-throwing contexts (e.g., a baseball pitcher).
- Overusing the metaphorical sense; it is not standard.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency word, primarily confined to sports commentary and occasional metaphorical use.
Yes, in industrial or military contexts, it can refer to a device designed to launch projectiles in a high arc (e.g., a grenade lobber).
A 'pitcher' (in baseball) throws with speed and variety, often at shoulder height. A 'lobber' specifically throws in a high, slow, arcing trajectory, often seen in tennis, cricket, or casual games.
No, it is a non-standard, creative, and informal metaphorical extension. It would not be found in formal writing.
A person or machine that throws, or lobs, something (especially a ball) in a high, slow arc.
Lobber is usually informal, sports in register.
Lobber: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɒb.ə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɑː.bɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
LOB + BER: Imagine a LOBster throwing a ball in a high arc with its claws.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM IS A PROJECTILE
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'lobber' MOST likely to be used literally?