Word – Kerfuffle

Kerfuffle – Word of the Day

Meaning:

A disturbance or commotion typically caused by a dispute or conflict.

Origin:

Fuffle was first used in Scottish English as far back as the 16th century. It was used as a verb meaning “to dishevel.” The addition of the prefix car- (possibly derived from a Scottish Gaelic word meaning “wrong” or “awkward”) didn’t change the meaning of the word much. In the 19th century, carfuffle, with its variant curfuffle, became a noun, and then in the 20th century it was embraced by a broader population of English speakers and standardized to kerfuffle.

Usage:

1. In the whole kerfuffle, no one noticed Harry slipping the antique jewellry box under his clothes and walking out.
2. The plagiarism scandal caused a huge kerfuffle at the university.
3. The prime minister’s incendiary remarks on the demolition of the heritage building caused a major kerfuffle in the media and the architecture community.
4. Nobody could escape the public kerfuffle that ensued after the financial scandal.
5. The president had to cancel all his engagements in wake of the kerfuffle that took place after the allegations of corruption were made against his government.
6. There was a minor kerfuffle because of which the student was able to sneak out of school.