Flubber vs. Blubber — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 3, 2024
"Flubber" refers to a fictional elastic substance with high energy, while "blubber" is the thick layer of fat found beneath the skin of marine mammals.
Difference Between Flubber and Blubber
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Flubber" is a whimsical, fictional material invented for entertainment, known for its incredible bounciness and energy-absorbing qualities. In contrast, "blubber" serves a critical biological function, providing insulation and energy reserves for marine mammals like whales and seals.
While "flubber" is typically portrayed in bright colors and with a jelly-like consistency in movies, blubber is a dense, fibrous layer of fat that is far from the playful image of flubber. Blubber is more practical in nature, aiding in the survival of animals in cold waters.
Flubber, as seen in films, can cause objects to bounce or fly unpredictably, underscoring its role in comedic and fantastical scenarios. On the other hand, blubber is essential for thermoregulation in marine environments, reflecting its importance in real-world biology.
The concept of "flubber" highlights human creativity and the fun of imagining new materials with extraordinary properties. Conversely, blubber emphasizes ecological and biological studies, often discussed in contexts concerning animal health and environmental science.
In cultural representation, "flubber" symbolizes innovation and the lighter side of science, often used to teach simple physics concepts through entertainment. Blubber, however, is frequently referenced in discussions about climate change and marine ecology, pointing to its significance in understanding and protecting marine life.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Fictional, elastic material
Natural, thick layer of fat
Primary Function
Entertainment, energy absorption in fiction
Insulation, energy storage in marine mammals
Consistency and Color
Jelly-like, often colorful
Dense, fibrous, generally pale or colorless
Context of Use
Movies, entertainment
Biology, marine ecology
Cultural Significance
Symbolizes creativity and fun in science
Important in discussions on marine life and ecology
Compare with Definitions
Flubber
Fictional elastic substance.
In the movie, flubber was used to power vehicles and make basketballs bounce higher.
Blubber
Studied in marine biology and ecology.
Scientists measure blubber thickness to assess the health of marine populations.
Flubber
Known for high energy and bounciness.
The flubber caused the car to bounce over the building.
Blubber
Provides insulation and energy storage.
Seal blubber is crucial for surviving long winters without much food.
Flubber
Created for entertainment purposes.
Flubber became a popular toy concept after the film.
Blubber
Thick layer of fat under the skin of marine mammals.
The whale uses blubber to stay warm in icy waters.
Flubber
Often used in educational science shows.
Flubber is demonstrated in children’s science programs to explain elasticity.
Blubber
Critical for buoyancy in marine mammals.
Blubber helps seals float while they rest at sea.
Flubber
Symbolic of imaginative inventions.
Flubber has inspired many to think creatively about new materials.
Blubber
Often a focus in discussions about environmental impact.
The reduction in blubber thickness has been linked to climate change effects.
Flubber
To botch; bungle.
Blubber
Blubber is a thick layer of vascularized adipose tissue under the skin of all cetaceans, pinnipeds, penguins, and sirenians.
Flubber
The act or an instance of botching or bungling
"a comedy of small social flubs" (James Wolcott).
Blubber
To sob noisily.
Flubber
A rubbery polymer formed by cross-linking of polyvinyl alcohol with a boron compound, used as a plaything or to demonstrate physical properties.
Blubber
To utter while crying and sobbing.
Flubber
One who flubs; a goof, a person who makes errors while speaking.
Blubber
To make wet and swollen by weeping.
Blubber
A loud sobbing.
Blubber
The thick layer of fat between the skin and the muscle layers of whales and other marine mammals, from which an oil is obtained.
Blubber
Excessive body fat.
Blubber
Any of various large jellyfishes.
Blubber
Swollen and protruding
Blubber cheeks.
Blubber
A fatty layer of adipose tissue found immediately beneath the epidermis.
Blubber
Fatty tissue.
Blubber
The thick coat of fat worn by many Arctic animals, such as sea lions, and Antarctic animals, such as penguins; used to insulate warmth in the animal's body.
Blubber
(obsolete) A bubble.
Blubber
One who blubs or weeps.
Blubber
To make noises or broken words while crying.
Blubber
To swell or disfigure (the face) with weeping; to wet with tears.
Blubber
A bubble.
At his mouth a blubber stood of foam.
Blubber
The fat of whales and other large sea animals from which oil is obtained. It lies immediately under the skin and over the muscular flesh.
Blubber
A large sea nettle or medusa.
Blubber
To weep noisily, or so as to disfigure the face; to cry in a childish manner.
She wept, she blubbered, and she tore her hair.
Blubber
To swell or disfigure (the face) with weeping; to wet with tears.
Dear Cloe, how blubbered is that pretty face!
Blubber
To give vent to (tears) or utter (broken words or cries); - with forth or out.
Blubber
An insulating layer of fat under the skin of whales and other large marine mammals; used as a source of oil
Blubber
Excess bodily weight;
She found fatness disgusting in herself as well as in others
Blubber
Cry or whine with snuffling;
Stop snivelling--you got yourself into this mess!
Blubber
Utter while crying
Common Curiosities
Can flubber be created in real life?
While materials with some similar properties exist, the fantastical qualities of flubber as seen in movies are fictional.
What is flubber made of in the stories?
Flubber is typically depicted as a rubbery, elastic substance created from various chemicals.
Why is blubber important for marine mammals in cold climates?
It insulates against cold and provides a significant energy reserve during months when food is scarce.
What was the purpose of inventing flubber in the movies?
Flubber was invented as a plot device to add humor and fantastical elements to the story.
Are there any environmental concerns associated with blubber?
Yes, changes in blubber thickness can indicate broader environmental changes affecting marine life.
How does blubber help marine mammals survive?
Blubber provides insulation from cold water, stores energy, and aids in buoyancy.
How is blubber measured in scientific studies?
Scientists use ultrasound or biopsy methods to measure the thickness and quality of blubber.
Does the color of flubber have any significance in its stories?
The color often adds to its visual appeal and distinguishes it as a playful, magical substance.
What types of products are made from blubber?
Historically, blubber has been processed into oil for lamps, soaps, and other products.
How does flubber interact with other objects in its fictional settings?
Flubber typically causes objects to bounce or fly due to its high-energy properties.
Can blubber be found in all marine mammals?
Most marine mammals in cold waters have blubber, but the thickness and composition can vary.
What is the heaviest part of a marine mammal's body?
Often, the blubber is among the heaviest parts, comprising a large percentage of their body mass.
Has flubber ever been used in educational settings?
Yes, it's often used in demonstrations to teach about properties of materials like elasticity and kinetic energy.
What happens to marine mammals if their blubber layer is too thin?
They may struggle to maintain body temperature and energy levels, potentially leading to health issues.
How has flubber influenced popular culture?
Flubber has become a symbol of quirky, imaginative science in media and toys.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
