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

This year the White House Correspondents’ Dinner canceled a planned appearance by comedian Amber Ruffin, the latest in a series of kerfuffles over controversial emcees of that event.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Now we have learned there was a third kerfuffle back in April, which adds another layer to the Pentagon intrigue.

Read more on Salon

Snyder responded Monday to the kerfuffle in an Instagram post: “Where I raise my family has nothing to do with my love and appreciation for our customers in California.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There was the kerfuffle over his non-availability for the Zimbabwe Test.

Read more on BBC

Hudson seemed to brace herself in December for something like this current kerfuffle, writing on her Instagram Stories: “Nothing changed for us in 2024 except for ‘public knowledge’: yet, somehow everything changed.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• commotion 
• disorder 
• disruption 
• disturbance