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Sometimes people who are just coming off of bout of crying take what could be described as a stuttering inhalation. It's more easily observed with little kids than adults.

Is there a better word for that?

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For some reason I came up with the word "bedumming" for when my baby sister did that. No clue where I got it from though. (Does it say bad things about me that this happened enough for me to need a word for it?) – T.E.D. Nov 16 '11 at 19:13
I would say this is general reference: ehow.com/info_8384693_causes-double-breathing-after-crying.html – Matt Эллен Nov 16 '11 at 19:45
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He's not asking for a synonym for crying, folks, but for a specific type of breathing/inhalation. Sheesh. What's with the trigger-happy closings these days? – Marthaª Nov 17 '11 at 0:08
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I don't understand the problem with this question, aside from being fairly simple. – JeffSahol Nov 17 '11 at 0:54
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Happy to cast the deciding vote for reopening. If nobody can come up with a good answer (and I'm not in agreement with the accepted one), then in my book it is most certianly not a general reference question. – T.E.D. Nov 17 '11 at 16:44
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5 Answers

up vote 10 down vote accepted

Sobbing is how I would say it.

Edit: actually, M-W backs me up on this:

1 a : to catch the breath audibly in a spasmodic contraction of the throat

1 b : to cry or weep with convulsive catching of the breath

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Well, again drawing upon my expertise as a big brother (reformed), sobbing is something different, and in fact includes crying. So I disagree with the accept on this. – T.E.D. Nov 17 '11 at 16:46
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I thought the same thing, that it mainly meant crying along with the breath-catching thing...until I read the 1a definition, which seemed to indicate the noise is the main thing, but other definitions are more about crying. In any case, though, there is no specific word for making that sound without weeping first (or during). – JeffSahol Nov 17 '11 at 17:37
Perhaps you are right. However, if I see "sobbing" in a sentence without a whole lot of context implying otherwise around it, it's pretty much certian I will assume the "1b" meaning. So if you want to be clear that there wasn't any actual crying going on anymore, it would be tough to make this word do the job. – T.E.D. Nov 17 '11 at 19:09
up vote 6 down vote

I believe shuddering sob is the common term.

Long shuddering sobs were heard, cries, and deep sighs. Think how surprised everyone was when, on raising the sheets, they discovered Pinocchio half melted in tears!

A surprising number of references turn up when you Google the phrase.

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Voting this up because I think it is closest. My only problem with it is that the sob itself isn't the subject of the question, just the shudder. – T.E.D. Nov 17 '11 at 16:49
up vote 3 down vote

These breaths could be referred to as gasps (similar to when someone is barely above water, but about to drown).

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Gasps was my first choice but I was hoping for something different since there's a different emotional element at work. In my head gasping is more about shock than weariness. – E.Beach Nov 16 '11 at 19:30
up vote 1 down vote

I think "hitching" could work.

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Hello and welcome! This is an interesting suggestion, but I'm not sure it would be understood. Can you offer any examples or other evidence backing it up? – Bradd Szonye 2 days ago
up vote -1 down vote

The phrase quivering lips is sometimes used to describe the moment just before tears.

Edit: I like E. Beach's suggestion of quivering gasps.

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This isn't what OP is asking for. – Mahnax Nov 16 '11 at 19:14
It may be useful depending on the reason the OP asked the question. In the event where the OP's direct question is unanswerable this may be satisfactory. – ChrisM Nov 16 '11 at 19:18
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Thanks for the contribution. Quivering is an interesting word and may capture the emotional state better than anything else. Maybe quivering gasps? – E.Beach Nov 16 '11 at 19:25

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