fuss

[fʌs]

Origin

From late 18th century, possibly from Danish fjas meaning "foolery, nonsense"

Meanings

1. [noun] Excessive or unnecessary concern, activity, or attention, especially about minor matters

   • "What's all the fuss about?"
   • "She made such a fuss over a tiny scratch on her car."

2. [verb] To move about or behave in an agitated, worrying manner

   • "Stop fussing over me, I'm fine!"
   • "She spent an hour fussing with her hair before the party."

Word Forms

• fussy (adjective)
• fussily (adverb)
• fussiness (noun)

Synonyms

• commotion
• agitation
• ado
• bother
• stir
• bustle
• worry

Related Expressions

• make a fuss
• without fuss
• kick up a fuss

Memory Tricks

1. Think of a mother cat fussing over her kittens - constantly moving around them, cleaning them, showing excessive attention
2. Remember the phrase "don't make a fuss" - it's about not creating unnecessary drama or complications
3. The word sounds like "muss" (to make messy) - both words involve disturbing the normal state of things

Usage Notes

Often used in negative contexts to describe unnecessary or excessive attention to detail or worry about minor matters. The word has a slightly informal tone and is commonly used in everyday conversation.