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Kerfuffle

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Cartoon of a man and woman arguing and pointing at each other, with the British slang word 'kerfuffle', an example sentence and its meaning

Slang – Kerfuffle.

Meaning

A fuss, commotion or noisy argument, usually about something that isn’t very important. It can also describe a confused, disorganised situation.

Kerfuffle is a noun, and it’s almost always used in a light-hearted way. It’s especially popular in British and Australian English, and it’s thought to come from Scots. It’s also just a fun word to say!

Similar Words:

  • Commotion – noisy confusion.
  • Fiasco – a complete, embarrassing failure.
  • Ruckus – a noisy disturbance.
  • Uproar – loud, angry protest.
  • Argy-bargy (British slang) – noisy arguing or pushing.
  • Hullabaloo – a commotion or fuss.

Example:

  • “Why are they making such a fuss over a parking space? What a kerfuffle over nothing!”

Learn More

Look it upKerfuffleWiktionary

What is slang?

Slang is very informal language. It’s usually spoken rather than written, and is often used by a particular group of people or in a particular place. Slang changes over time, and using it well is a great way to sound more natural when speaking English.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “kerfuffle” mean?

A fuss or commotion, usually about something unimportant.

Is “kerfuffle” a serious word?

No. It is usually light-hearted and slightly humorous.

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