English

Noun

wobbler ‎(plural wobblers)

1. (curling) A stone that rocks from side to side as it travels because it is not resting on its running surface.
2. (colloquial, law) A case that could go either way depending on factors that cannot be controlled.
3. (fishing) A fishing lure made to resemble a prey fish and that wobbles in the water; plug, minnow.
4. (slang, Britain) Sudden unexpected outburst of anger or rage, a tantrum.
5. (advertising) A small publicity notice which appears to float at eye level, being attached to a fixture by a flexible arm.
   • 1958 May 19, "Irish offers sales kit" Billboard p.18:

     A wire "Wobbler" holds a card for counter display

   • 2006 February 28, LetsRecycle.com "Recycling message hits supermarket shelves in Bristol"

     Yesterday saw the launch of the initiative, which will use advertising “shelf wobblers” that usually publicise special offers to encourage Bristol shoppers to bring back their plastic bottles for recycling.

6. (colloquial, law) A class of crime that can be charged as a lower penalty or a higher penalty, e.g. a crime punishable as either a misdemeanor or a felony at the discretion of the prosecutor.

Derived terms

• wobbler disease

Translations