splutter

Etymology 1

The noun is imitative. The verb is derived from the noun.

noun

1. (countable) A forceful emission of something, especially in small drops or particles; a spluttering or sputtering.
   a splutter of water from a pipe
2. (countable) A forceful choking or spitting sound.
3. (figurative)
   1. (countable) A noisy commotion.
   2. (countable) A disagreement or dispute.
   3. (uncountable) Chaotic and forceful speaking, verbal exchange, etc.; (countable) an instance of this.
      a splutter of rage from the old man

verb

1. (transitive)
   1. To forcefully emit (something), especially in small drops or particles; to sputter.
   2. To soil or sprinkle (someone or something) with a substance, often a liquid; to bespatter, to spatter.
   3. (figurative)
      1. To direct angry words, criticism, insults, etc., at (someone or something).
      2. Sometimes followed by out: to speak (words) hurriedly, and confusedly or unclearly.
         Alas, for the expectations of man! His hopes are like the fruits of that melancholy shore, where death appears to live and life to die. He biteth, and spluttereth forth the unsavoury and abominable deception. 13 February 1831, “The Dreamer. No. I.”, in The Monthly Repository and Review of Theology and General Literature, volume V (New Series), number LI, London: C[harles] Fox,[…], published March 1831, →OCLC, page 180
2. (intransitive)
   1. Of a thing: to forcefully emit something, especially in small drops or particles.
      The log on the fire spluttered and sent a cloud of sparks up the chimney, and shadows of the bell-ringers started up on the walls and disappeared in the intricacies of the roof. 1867, Joseph Hatton, “Ringing the New Year in”, in Mrs. Alfred Gatty [i.e., Margaret Gatty], editor, Aunt Judy’s May-Day Volume. For Young People.[…], London: Bell & Daldy,[…], →OCLC, page 157
      I grieve for lack of wit and store of words to tell the doings patly, for my pen halteth and spluttereth sadly; but I doubt if even a pen from a quill of the Raven could limn them suitably. 1887 January, “Football in 185–”, in The Downside Review, volume VI, Yeovil, Somerset: […] Western Chronicle Company, published 1889, →OCLC, page 23
      The old-fashioned pen spluttered and scratched as he wrote. 1951, Lloyd L[ouis] Brown, chapter 15, in Richard Yarborough, editor, Iron City[…] (The Northeastern Library of Black Literature), Boston, Mass.: Northeastern University Press, published 1994, section 1, page 198
      1. To spray droplets of saliva from the mouth while eating or speaking.
   2. Of a substance: to be emitted forcefully in small drops or particles.
   3. To make a sound or sounds of something forcefully emitting a substance in small drops or particles.
   4. Followed by out: to go out (as a flame) or stop functioning (as an engine or machine) with a spluttering action or sound (senses 2.1 or 2.3).
   5. (figurative)
      1. To speak hurriedly, and confusedly or unclearly.
         If thou splutterest so, thou wilt drop out thy teeth; that is, if they be thine, which I for one doubt! 1853, John Wynne, “The Advocate of Durango; or, The Avenging Spirit. A Tale of Mexico. A Romantic, Domestic Drama, in Four Acts.”, in Three Original Plays,[…], London: Thomas Bosworth[…], →OCLC, act II, scene iii, page 204
      2. To perform in an inconsistent manner to a substandard level.
         Manchester City, Liverpool, Bolton and Manchester United come next for Wolves in the Premier League but [Mick] McCarthy's men will fear no one after beating Chelsea for the first time in 18 years, while [Carlo] Ancelotti has much to ponder as his players continue to splutter. 5 January 2011, Mark Ashenden, “Wolverhampton 1 – 0 Chelsea”, in BBC Sport

Etymology 2

A modification of God’s blood.

intj

1. (minced oath, obsolete) A minced oath expressing anger or wonder, usually attributed to Welsh people: 'sblood.