Kerfuffle. Yes. It’s a word. Look it up if you don’t believe me. The dictionary definition is “a commotion or fuss.” But that’s not why I adore it. It doesn’t just roll off the tongue, you know? It bounces. It tumbles, skids, dances across the tongue. It has a mind of its own; there’s no controlling it. That’s why I love it. It’s alive. The taste is indescribable, but still something delicious like...salt. Smell? A beautiful rose perfume.
It represents what I love most about words: their dynamic possibilities. Language, words, as I have known them, are a live thing. They are never to be underestimated and kerfuffle is no exception. Kerfuffle is real. It’s demonstrative of it’s meaning. Who didn’t experience a brief mental commotion upon its presentation. I love the effect it has: the widening of eyes, disbelief, and then the slow smiles. Language isn’t all rigid and uptight. There are more words than any one human being can possibly memorize. All those hidden possibilities make me so excited. I love learning new words. Kerfuffle is only one of many!
I love how you described that it doesn't just roll of the tongue, but it bounces and dances. way creative. Really good imagery and emotion.
ReplyDeleteThe way you described the word makes me want to use it all the time now. You made learning new words seem fun, that is no easy thing to accomplish in my opinion. Good job.
ReplyDeleteRachel, when I read this word I laughed. The word kerfuffle just sounds so funny and unusual. It is amazing how many words are out there that we have never heard before. It just goes to show that learning new vocabulary can be fun and interesting; it doesn't have to be a chore.
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