Kerfuffle

Definition

Noun

1. A commotion, disturbance, or fuss

The kerfuffle at the after-Christmas sales tables caused quite a mess.

 

Word Origin

Derived from Gaelic, though it is uncertain whether it originated from Scots Gaelic curfuffle (from car [twist or bend] + imitative Scots fuffle [to disorder]) or from Irish Gaelic cior thual (confusion or disorder).

First recorded use 1945-50.

Often used when a person thinks others are making too big a deal about something.

Synonyms

ado, commotion, disturbance, ruckus, uproar, foofaraw, brouhaha