English

Verb

splutter ‎(third-person singular simple present splutters, present participle spluttering, simple past and past participle spluttered)

1. To sputter.
   • 1867, Aunt Judy's Annual Volume (volumes 2-3, page 169)

     The log on the fire spluttered and sent a cloud of sparks up the chimney, and shadows of the bell-ringers started up on the walls and disappeared in the intricacies of the roof.

   • 1951, Lloyd Louis Brown, Iron City (page 198)

     The old-fashioned pen spluttered and scratched as he wrote.

2. To spray droplets while speaking.
3. To speak hurriedly and confusedly.
4. To perform to a substandard level.
   • 2011 January 5, Mark Ashenden, “Wolverhampton 1 - 0 Chelsea”, in BBC:

     Manchester City, Liverpool, Bolton and Manchester United come next for Wolves in the Premier League but McCarthy's men will fear no one after beating Chelsea for the first time in 18 years, while Ancelotti has much to ponder as his players continue to splutter.

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