fuss

Fuss is a noun referring to excessive or unnecessary excitement, attention, or activity, often causing disturbance or inconvenience. It can describe a noisy or exaggerated display, or a demand for special treatment. As a verb, to fuss means to worry about small matters or to busy oneself in a way that is overly concerned with minor details; to fuss over someone is to give them more attention or care than is typical. The term is commonly used with a mildly pejorative tone, implying that the concern is unnecessary or tiresome.

Etymology and development of use are not completely clear. The word appears in English in the early modern period, and its origin is believed to be imitative or expressive rather than from a clear root word. Over time, fuss has broadened to cover both the act of making a scene and the habit of fussing over tasks or people.

Common phrases include “make a fuss,” meaning to create unnecessary trouble or excitement; “without making a fuss,” indicating a desire for calm or minimal disturbance; and “fuss over,” meaning to attend to someone with excessive care. The idiom “no fuss, no muss” expresses a preference for simplicity and efficiency.

See also related terms such as ado, to-do, and brouhaha. Synonyms include commotion, bustle, and hassle, while antonyms include calm, ease, and quiet.