kerfuffle

American  

[ker-fuhf-uhl] / kərˈfʌf əl /

noun

1. Informal. a fuss; commotion.

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kerfuffle British  

/ kəˈfʌfəl /

noun

1. informal commotion; disorder; agitation

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verb

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

Etymology

Origin of kerfuffle

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)

Example Sentences

The culinary kerfuffle was unusual for Mexico, which boasts a world-renowned cuisine that includes dozens of varieties of breads and pastries, both savory and sweet.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, Beijing has decided to turn a modest kerfuffle into a major confrontation.

From The Wall Street Journal

The rivalry is only intensifying and each kerfuffle, even if smoothed out, erodes trust between the two rivals.

From Barron's

The latest kerfuffle with Canada will likely be sorted and chances generally look good for an agreement with China—at least until the next unpredictable wrangle.

From Barron's

This latest kerfuffle also overshadowed a strong start to earnings season from the big banks.

From Barron's

Related Words

• commotion
• disorder
• disruption
• disturbance