Scuffle: meaning, definitions and examples

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scuffle

[ˈskʌf.əl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in a fight

A scuffle is a short, confused fight or struggle at close quarters.

Synonyms

altercation, brawl, tussle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
scuffle	A brief, casual or inconsequential physical confrontation that is not very serious. There was a minor scuffle in the hallway when the students bumped into each other
brawl	A noisy and chaotic fight involving multiple people, often in a public setting. A brawl broke out at the bar after someone spilled a drink
altercation	A heated verbal or physical dispute, typically more serious than a scuffle and often involving raised voices. The two neighbors had an altercation over the property boundary
tussle	A vigorous struggle or fight, usually involving grappling or wrestling. The players had a brief tussle over the ball during the game

Examples of usage

There was a scuffle between two men outside the bar.
The police had to break up a scuffle at the protest.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

fight or struggle

To scuffle means to struggle or fight in a rough, confused manner.

Synonyms

clash, grapple, wrestle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
scuffle	A minor, unorganized physical fight, often involving shoving or quick actions. Suitable for informal situations. There was a scuffle near the entrance when the concert tickets sold out The kids got into a scuffle over the last piece of candy
grapple	Engaging in a struggle or close fight, typically without weapons. It can also mean struggling with a problem or decision. The two wrestlers grappled in the center of the ring She had to grapple with the difficult decision of moving to a new city
wrestle	Struggling physically with an opponent, often in a competitive sport. It can also describe struggling with a difficult task or problem. They wrestled for the championship title last night He had to wrestle with his conscience about telling the truth
clash	A serious confrontation or conflict, often associated with opposing groups or strong differences in opinions. It can be either physical or verbal. The protesters clashed with the police during the demonstration Their views on the project clashed, leading to a heated argument

Examples of usage

The players scuffled for the ball during the match.
He scuffled with his opponent in the boxing ring.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Middle English 'scuflen,' which means to push or shove.
It is thought to have roots in the Old Norse word 'skufla,' meaning to shove or displace.
The term originally described a physical struggle, but has broadened to include verbal disagreements.

Pop Culture

In movies and TV shows, a scuffle often adds comic relief, showing how characters might engage in silly or unimportant fights.
Comic books often depict scuffles as quick, chaotic exchanges between heroes and villains, highlighting action without serious consequences.
Many cartoons show scuffles as exaggerated, where characters might spin around in clouds, portraying a fight that’s more fun than fierce.

Sports

In some contact sports, like hockey, a scuffle can erupt over a missed call, showcasing the passion of players.
Boxing has rules against scuffles outside the sanctioned rounds, emphasizing fair play even when tensions run high.
Street fights often start with scuffles as emotions flare, but they differ from organized sports that have rules and referees.

Psychology

Scuffles can be a result of mismanaged emotions or stress, highlighting how pent-up feelings can lead to conflict.
A brief physical altercation may serve as an outlet for frustration, illustrating how sometimes people deal with issues through physical means.
Understanding the triggers of a scuffle can help in conflict resolution, showing that communication is key in handling misunderstandings.

Literature

In many novels, a scuffle can signify deeper relational tensions between characters, often leading to revelations.
Writers often use scuffles as a plot device to create tension, illustrating the unresolved conflicts in a character's life.
Classic narratives might incorporate a scuffle to symbolize the struggle between opposing forces, enhancing themes of conflict and resolution.

Translations

Translations of the word "scuffle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 luta

🇮🇳 झगड़ा

🇩🇪 Handgemenge

🇮🇩 perkelahian

🇺🇦 шарпанина

🇵🇱 szamotanina

🇯🇵 もみ合い

🇫🇷 bagarre

🇪🇸 pelea

🇹🇷 kavga

🇰🇷 실랑이

🇸🇦 شجار

🇨🇿 potyčka

🇸🇰 potýčka

🇨🇳 扭打

🇸🇮 pretep

🇮🇸 slagur

🇰🇿 шайқас

🇬🇪 ჩხუბი

🇦🇿 dava

🇲🇽 pelea

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,510, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
25507 engulf
25508 assenting
25509 secede
25510 scuffle
25511 consumable
25512 hypersensitive
25513 fibroid
...