Bobber
/ˈbɒbər/noun
A person or object that bobs, especially a float used to indicate a fish biting a baited hook.
Did you know?The underlying verb “bob” has uncertain origins, but medieval English used it for sudden movement, striking, and mockery long before anglers used a bobber as a bite signal.
Etymological Timeline
14th Century
Middle English
bobben
“To move abruptly, strike, or make a sudden bobbing motion”
15th Century
Middle English
bob
“A short, sudden movement or blow; also to move up and down”
16th–17th Century
English
bob
“To rise and fall, jerk, or dip repeatedly”
18th Century
English
bobber
“Something that bobs or moves up and down”
19th Century
English
bobber
“A fishing float used to show movement caused by a fish”
Modern English
English
bobber
“A fishing float or any object that bobs, including certain styles of motorcycle and haircut”