appuappu

Definitions

appuappu:
   1. floundering while nearly drowning
   2. suffering

Examples

彼は海でおぼれてあっぷあっぷする。
かれうみでおぼれてあっぷあっぷする。
Kare ha umi de oborete appuappu suru.
He floundered [as if he were drowning] in the sea.

Usage

あっぷあっぷ・する
appuappu + suru

Notes

Often used for drowning, but can also be used in cases where people are rushing around nervously