flubbing

Flubbing refers to the act of making an error or botching a performance, recording, or action. It covers mispronunciations, forgotten lines, off-key notes, misplays, or any misdelivery that disrupts the intended result. As a noun, a flub is the error itself (a flubbed line, a flub in a take). The term is informal and used across various contexts in English, particularly in entertainment, journalism, and sports.

Origins of the word are unclear; flub is an informal English term with uncertain roots, and the expression flubbing has appeared in English-speaking contexts since the 20th century. Its usage tends to emphasize the unintended nature of the mistake rather than a deliberate act.

Common contexts include live or recorded performance, where actors forget lines or musicians miss notes; broadcasting, where a host mispronounces names or misstates facts; and sports, where a player botches a pass or play. In digital media and streaming, flubs can occur during game commentary, video blogs, or online tutorials. While often embarrassing, flubs can also be spontaneous or humorous and may become notable moments or memes.

Handling and reception vary. In professional settings, a flub is typically addressed by a retake, editing, or a quick correction. In live situations, performers may acknowledge the error and continue, or improvise to recover. Overall, flubbing is viewed neutrally to mildly negative, though some flubs achieve cultural staying power as amusing or memorable moments.