Make Your Point > Archived Issues > KERFUFFLE

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"KERFUFFLE" Pronunciation: ker FUFF ull Part of speech: Countable noun. (Countable nouns, like “bottle,” “piece,” and “decision,” are words for things that can be broken into exact units. You talk about “a bottle,” “three pieces,” and “many decisions.” Likewise, talk about one kerfuffle or multiple kerfuffles.) Meaning: A kerfuffle is a fuss, a commotion, or some kind of noisy disturbance. More loosely, a kerfuffle is a scandal or controversy. Other forms: kerfuffles How to use it: "Kerfuffle" is a funny and informal word. Talk about making a kerfuffle, causing a kerfuffle, getting into a big kerfuffle over something, trying to get out of a drawn-out kerfuffle about something, and so on. Reddit is a great website for sitting back and watching the latest Internet kerfuffle unfold. It's a slow news day when the anchors keep talking about the legal kerfuffle over who stole a melody from some other artist and used it in a new song. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "kerfuffle” means when you can explain it without saying “fuss” or “to-do." Think of something that's no big deal to you now, but it used to be, and fill in the blank: "I can't believe I used to make a kerfuffle over _____." Example: "I can't believe I used to make a kerfuffle over whose turn it was to push the button for the elevator--mine or my sister's." Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game and quote below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first. Playing With Words: Messages that go through an automated translator into several languages and back into English again often end up sounding funny and garbled-- but still somehow meaningful. We’re having fun with that phenomenon this month as we play our game: Guess the moral from Aesop’s Fables after it has been translated into a few foreign languages and back again by a computer program. Some of the morals may be very familiar to you, others not so much. You don’t need to quote Aesop verbatim but rather just understand the message being conveyed. Try it out each day and see the right answer the following day.   Yesterday’s answer: The translation-babble said, “Do not try to take a bite someone tusks are even more acute than yours.” Aesop said, “Don’t try to take a bite out of someone whose fangs are even sharper than yours.” Try this one today: “Those who are not fit to warn their neighbors, not the things themselves.” A Point Well Made: Edward Frenkel: “Is there a fixed reality apart from our various observations of it? Or is reality nothing more than a kaleidoscope of infinite possibilities?” 1. The opposite of KERFUFFLE is A. SMOOTH B. SLEEPLESSNESS C. TRANQUILITY 2. An upcoming movie that causes a social or political kerfuffle is likely to _____ A. generate more hype and ultimately more profits. B. fly under the radar until award show season. C. star a new actor who subsequently rises to fame. Answers are below. To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Make Your Point is crafted with love and brought to you each day for free by Mrs. Liesl Johnson, M.Ed., a word lover, learning enthusiast, and private tutor of reading and writing in the verdant little town of Hilo, Hawaii. For writing tips, online learning, essay guidance, and more, please visit www.HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. C 2. A