I was listening to a radio talk show some years ago, and the caller was a school-age girl who mentioned several times “bubbling in” the answers on her test. After several references to “bubbling in,” the host finally asked, “What the he!! are you talking about.” Well, obviously not in those exact words, but you get the idea. She then said that “bubbling in” meant filling in the circles.
OK. I don’t think I’ve ever heard any specific term for it, other than just “filling in.” Is this a new standard term, or maybe just regional?
When I was in elementary and middle school, bubbling in was the term of choice for the teachers. When I got to high school, it was filling in. Perhaps it depends on the school.
I think the type of computerized answer sheet you have also makes a difference. Some just have little bars that you fill in, but others have little bubble-looking circles. I’ve always heard the terms used pretty much interchangeably. I grew up in Kentucky, for what it’s worth.