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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To hate the word 'bubbly' as a descripton of demeanour/behaviour?

93 replies

user1466795981 · 06/08/2016 12:18

This adjective grates on me - it is ALWAYS used to describe women - usually young women - have you EVER heard it in relation to a man.

It also, in some circumstances can have slight connotations of immaturity.

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Grumpyoldblonde · 06/08/2016 12:21

YANBU, pisses me off no end, I have complained in the past about it being used about me in work reviews/feedback. Bubbly blonde is the pits..

Obviouspretzel · 06/08/2016 12:22

Usually people mean chubby as well.

Queenbean · 06/08/2016 12:22

It is usually used to describe women of a certain size, in my experience

"Ooooh, doesn't she have a bubbly personality?"

SupermanStoleMyPants · 06/08/2016 12:22

Yup hate it. Can I add feisty in as well. Again never used to describe a man. I fooking hate it.

It's like saying 'aww look the little woman is pissed off, isn't she cute?'

user1466795981 · 06/08/2016 12:23

Grumpyoldblonde - glad you agree with me !! - I fully expected to get a flaming!!

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WorraLiberty · 06/08/2016 12:24

YANBU

It's nearly always used to describe overweight women with outgoing personalities.

user1466795981 · 06/08/2016 12:24

Obvious Queenbean - That's interesting I've never considered the size issue as well!

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user1466795981 · 06/08/2016 12:26

Superman - Personally, I've never considered feisty to be a derogatory word but, come to think of it, I've never heard it said to a man - so I may from now on see it in a different light!

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skatesection · 06/08/2016 12:27

Me too, I hate it.

It's also used whenever a teenaged girl dies, usually by their headteacher. I remember being that age, watching the news and thinking "fuck man, you didn't know her at ALL, did you?" every time.

user1466795981 · 06/08/2016 12:27

WorraLiberty - I've never previously considered the weight issue - but interesting that quite a few others have made the connection

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Cutecat78 · 06/08/2016 12:28

I always think it means "fat" Confused

callherwillow · 06/08/2016 12:28

Bubbly - fat and cheerful.
Feisty - made a reasonable objection to something.

I got described as gregarious once, which I liked.

user1466795981 · 06/08/2016 12:29

skatesection - yes 'bubbly' or 'sensitive' perhaps depending on personality.

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user1466795981 · 06/08/2016 12:30

Sounds like it's got similar (weight) connotations as "you look well" !!

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ZippyNeedsFeeding · 06/08/2016 12:30

I'd never thought of it being a size thing. I always assume it means "thick" but the person saying it wants to find something halfway nice to say.

UmbongoUnchained · 06/08/2016 12:30

It's means nice and fat.
But surely Jolly is the male equivalent? I only ever heard men be described as jolly, and they are usually fat and nice.

Grumpyoldblonde · 06/08/2016 12:31

I'm not fat but have often had it used about me, I am friendly and like to have fun. It always makes Barbara Windsor spring to mind, 'Bubbly, blonde Barbara, who plays feisty Matriarch Peggy' speaks volumes.

EnthusiasmDisturbed · 06/08/2016 12:31

I loath this expression

Not used so much now thankfully but I think it describes a women who is just accepting, agreeable and happy at all times in other words isn't serious because apparently that is very unattractive Hmm

When I think about all those articles I have read on how to attract a man it was always about being happy and smiley

user1466795981 · 06/08/2016 12:32

'Jovial' was used I can remember to describe a thin (ish) man

Zippy - I've never thought about the 'thick' aspect either but you might have a point

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WorraLiberty · 06/08/2016 12:33

I truly believe that anyone who takes "you look well" as a remark about their weight, is simply paranoid though.

Whereas 'bubbly' being used to describe overweight, outgoing women has been proven time and again in the media.

Helmetbymidnight · 06/08/2016 12:34

I have been amazed when women use it to describe themselves. Don't they realize?

Salmotrutta · 06/08/2016 12:35

I've never connected it with "fat" and I always assume it means someone relentlessly cheerful who gets on my wick.

And with an element of air-headedness thrown in!

Helmetbymidnight · 06/08/2016 12:35

Yes, I disagree with 'you look well' meaning fat. Its more likely your skin looks nice/you look happy.

WorraLiberty · 06/08/2016 12:35

I only ever heard men be described as jolly, and they are usually fat and nice.

Yeah that's true actually ime.

user1466795981 · 06/08/2016 12:36

When this is used - I don't think of blonde or fat or thick, but when I've heard it used it's usually been associated with a young woman in a routine job - not someone who is deciding policy for a company for example!!

I've even heard one woman describe herself ( in written form ) as 'bubblie' (sic)
Does that say it all???

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