Ever heard someone say they were “bawling their eyes out” and wondered what that means? Or maybe you’ve seen a funny meme captioned “I’m bawling rn 😭” and weren’t sure if it meant laughing or crying.
The word “bawl” might sound simple, but it’s one of those English terms that can confuse people — especially when used in texting or slang.
In this article, we’ll break down:
✅ The meaning of “bawl”
✅ Its origin and history
✅ How it’s used in different contexts (crying, laughing, slang)
✅ Examples of “bawl” in conversation
✅ Similar words, common mistakes, and FAQs
💬 What Does Bawl Mean?
“Bawl” means to cry loudly and uncontrollably, often because of strong emotions such as sadness, frustration, or even joy.
It’s a verb used in everyday English to describe loud weeping or sobbing.
👉 Example: “She started to bawl when she heard the bad news.”
The term is used mostly in spoken English, texting, and online posts to express emotional outbursts.
🕰️ Origin and Popularity
The word “bawl” has been around for centuries. It originates from the Middle English word “bawlen,” meaning to shout or cry out loudly.
- First recorded use: Around the 15th century
- Root: Possibly from the Old Norse bala (“to roar or cry”)
- Evolution: Over time, “bawl” came to specifically mean crying loudly rather than just shouting.
In the modern era, “bawl” remains common in American, British, and online English, often paired with dramatic expressions like “bawl my eyes out” or “bawling rn” (right now) on social media.
🌐 Bawl Meaning in Different Contexts
“Bawl” can have slightly different meanings depending on the situation or tone of the speaker. Let’s look at a few contexts:
🗣️ In Everyday Speech
Used to describe someone crying hard or loudly.
“He bawled when he lost his dog.”
Tone: Emotional, serious, or dramatic.
💬 In Texting or Online Slang
In casual texting, “bawl” or “bawling” can also mean laughing so hard you cry, similar to “LMAO” or “😭😭.”
“That video had me bawling 😭😭”
Tone: Playful, humorous, or exaggerated.
🎭 In Literature or Storytelling
Authors use “bawl” to convey strong emotions or vivid scenes.
“The child bawled as the storm raged on.”
Tone: Descriptive and emotional.
| Context | Meaning | Tone |
| Conversation | Crying loudly | Emotional |
| Texting / Social Media | Laughing hard or fake crying | Casual, humorous |
| Literature | Loud weeping or shouting | Dramatic, descriptive |
💬 Examples of “Bawl” in Conversations
Example 1 (Text Message):
Friend 1: That movie ending was so sad.
Friend 2: I was bawling the whole time 😭
Example 2 (In Person):
“When I saw my puppy after a week, I couldn’t stop bawling.”
Example 3 (Funny Use Online):
“That TikTok had me bawling 😂😭”
Example 4 (Formal):
“The child began to bawl loudly, disturbing the entire class.”
🔁 Similar or Related Terms
Here are some related words and phrases often confused or used interchangeably with “bawl”:
| Term | Meaning | Usage Example |
| Cry | To shed tears or express emotion softly | “She started to cry.” |
| Sob | To cry uncontrollably with deep breaths | “He sobbed into his pillow.” |
| Wail | To cry out in grief or pain | “The widow wailed loudly.” |
| Blubber | To cry noisily, like a child | “Stop blubbering and listen.” |
All of these describe emotional expression — but “bawl” emphasizes loudness and intensity.
✅ How to Use “Bawl” Correctly
Do’s:
- ✅ Use when describing loud crying or emotional reactions.
- ✅ Use casually in texting to exaggerate humor or sadness.
- ✅ Use in writing to intensify emotion in storytelling.
Don’ts:
- ❌ Don’t confuse “bawl” with “ball.” They sound similar but mean completely different things.
- ❌ Avoid using it in formal writing (like academic papers or business emails).
- ❌ Don’t overuse it for minor emotions — it implies strong reactions.
⚠️ Common Mistakes or Misinterpretations
- Bawl vs. Ball
→ “Bawl” means to cry loudly.
→ “Ball” means a round object or dance party.
❌ “I was balling my eyes out.”
✅ “I was bawling my eyes out.” - Thinking “bawl” always means sadness
→ It can also mean laughing hard in slang contexts.
“That meme had me bawling 😂😭.” - Using it too formally
→ It’s more casual and emotional than academic.
❓ FAQ Section
1. What does “bawl” mean in texting?
In texting, “bawl” often means laughing or crying dramatically, depending on context. Usually paired with emojis like 😭 or 😂😭.
2. Is “bawl” slang or a real word?
“Bawl” is a real English word, not slang. However, its exaggerated use online has given it a slang-like tone in modern chats.
3. What’s the difference between “bawl” and “cry”?
“Cry” can mean any level of sadness or tears, while “bawl” specifically means crying loudly or uncontrollably.
4. Can “bawl” mean laughing?
Yes — in informal slang, people say they’re “bawling” when something is hilarious and they’re “crying from laughter.”
5. How do you spell it correctly — bawl or ball?
The correct spelling is bawl (with a “w”). “Ball” refers to a round object or dance event.
6. Where is “bawl” most used?
It’s common in American English, everyday conversation, and social media posts expressing intense emotion.
🧠 Conclusion
To sum it up, “bawl” means to cry loudly and emotionally — though in casual online slang, it can also mean laughing until you cry.
It’s a versatile term that shows intensity, whether you’re expressing deep sadness or piercing laughter.
Now that you know the true meaning of “bawl,” you’ll never mix it up with “ball” again! Keep exploring our site for more word meanings and internet slang guides that make modern communication clear and fun.
Patrick Gale is a word-meaning expert at Meanovia.com. He explains complex terms, definitions, and language trends with clarity and precision. His goal is to help readers understand the exact meaning behind every word they search.
