Making soft popping or spitting sounds, or speaking in a confused way with quick bursts of words.
Originated as an onomatopoeia in the 16th century, imitating the sound itself. Related to 'sputter' which mimics the actual sound of something making quick popping noises.
Old engines sputter because of tiny explosions in the cylinders—the word perfectly captures the actual mechanical failure happening, making it one of the most honest onomatopoeic words in English!
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