hurry-scurry

or hur·ry-skur·ry

[ hur-ee-skur-ee, huhr-ee-skuhr-ee ]

noun

1. headlong, disorderly haste; hurry and confusion.

adverb

1. with hurrying and scurrying.
2. confusedly; in a bustle.

adjective

1. characterized by headlong, disorderly flight or haste.

hurry-scurry

adverb

1. in frantic haste

adjective

1. hasty and disorderly

noun

1. disordered haste

verb

1. to rush about in confusion

Word History and Origins

Origin of hurry-scurry¹

First recorded in 1725–35

Word History and Origins

Origin of hurry-scurry¹

C18: reduplication of hurry ; compare helter-skelter

Example Sentences

I don't hold with these railways they're talkin' about—all steam and hurry-scurry; it starves the country.'

From Project Gutenberg

Small sword and broad sword—staff and stiletto—flankonnade and cannonade—hurry-scurry—right wing and left wing——'

From Project Gutenberg

Please do not think that I would dream of giving you any hurry-scurry trouble.

From Project Gutenberg

The fact of the matter is that the hurry-scurry of modern civilisation is not conducive to artistic work of any description.

From Project Gutenberg

Then the house was all hurry-scurry, preparing for my new master, Sir Murtagh's younger brother, a dashing young officer.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• chaotic
• haphazard
• hurried