How to pronounce kerfuffle
Say it like ker-FUHF-ul. Kerfuffle has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FUHF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce kerfuffle. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ker
- FUHF
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Kerfuffle pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- FUHFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of kerfuffle
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: kuh-FUHF-ul.
What does kerfuffle mean?
- A disorderly outburst, disturbance, commotion, or tumult.
- To make a disorderly outburst or commotion.
Where does kerfuffle come from?
Probably from Scots curfuffle, equivalent to ker- + fuffle, or related to Irish cíor thuathail (“confusion, bewilderment”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with kerfuffle
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of kerfuffle.
Questions about saying kerfuffle
How do you pronounce kerfuffle?
Say ker-FUHF-ul. The American pronunciation is /kɚˈfʌfəl/. In British English it is /kəˈfʌfəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in kerfuffle?
Kerfuffle has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FUHF). Broken into parts: ker · FUHF · ul.
Is kerfuffle pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /kəˈfʌfəl/ (kuh-FUHF-ul).