kerfuffle

[ ker-fuhf-uhl ]

noun

1. Informal. a fuss; commotion.

kerfuffle

/ kəˈfʌfəl /

noun

1. informal.
   commotion; disorder; agitation

verb

1. tr to put into disorder or disarray; ruffle or disarrange

Word History and Origins

Origin of kerfuffle¹

First recorded in 1945–50; from Scots curfuffle, from cur- (from Scottish Gaelic car “a turn,” from Old Irish cor ) + fuffle “to disorder, confuse” (of imitative origin)

Word History and Origins

Origin of kerfuffle¹

from Scottish curfuffle, carfuffle, from Scottish Gaelic car twist, turn + fuffle to disarrange

Example Sentences

The kerfuffle represented a much larger divide within the party.

From Los Angeles Times

If the IOC wants to give out two bronze medals, one for each of the competitors in the kerfuffle, fine.

From Los Angeles Times

They are completely booked for all of Pride Month this year, something they credit to all the publicity they received a year ago during what founding member Sister Unity refers to as “the Dodgers kerfuffle.”

From Los Angeles Times

As the New Year’s Eve kerfuffle made clear, Green Day is jumping back into the political fray this election year after lying relatively low during the Trump era.

From Los Angeles Times

But he’s also on the ballot for reelection to his Fresno Assembly seat, creating a legal kerfuffle that has angered Democrats.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• commotion
• disorder
• disruption
• disturbance