kerfuffle
Meaning
Kerfuffle is an informal word for a commotion or fuss, often caused by a disagreement.
How “kerfuffle” is used
A disturbance, commotion or fuss, often involving disagreement or conflict.12
- Tone
- Informal. Oxford labels it British English; Merriam-Webster notes use in both British and American English.
- Where you’ll see it
- Merriam-Webster describes a disturbance or commotion typically caused by a dispute or conflict. Oxford gives unnecessary excitement or activity and lists commotion and fuss as synonyms.
Examples
- Original illustrative example: There was a kerfuffle at the meeting over the revised seating plan.
- Original illustrative example: The booking mix-up caused a kerfuffle, but the staff soon sorted it out.
Examples are written for this site to show typical use. They are not quotes.
Usage notes
- What does kerfuffle mean? It names a commotion or fuss. Oxford emphasizes unnecessary excitement, while Merriam-Webster gives a broader disturbance or commotion. It should not be defined as necessarily pointless in every context.
- The British English label in Oxford does not mean the word is restricted to Britain. Merriam-Webster explicitly notes wider British and American use.
- The earlier Scots forms and the modern spelling have different histories. This entry does not combine dictionary dates for different forms into one asserted first-use year.
- All example sentences are original illustrations, not quotations.
Origin
Oxford tentatively connects the word with Scots curfuffle, and Etymonline also traces it to that Scots form. The details of the earlier formation are uncertain.23
Related
Sources
- kerfuffle, Merriam-Webster (opens in a new tab)
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kerfuffle
- kerfuffle, Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary (opens in a new tab)
https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kerfuffle
- Kerfuffle: etymology, origin and meaning, Etymonline (opens in a new tab)
https://www.etymonline.com/word/kerfuffle