fuss

Everyday

1. A fuss is a lot of worry, excitement or complaining about something, often something small. tree →
2. To fuss means to worry or pay too much attention to small things. tree →
3. To make a fuss of someone means to give them lots of loving attention. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life children are told «don't make a fuss» about small things, and grandparents «make a fuss of» visitors. In stories a fuss shows someone being upset or over-careful. Phrases: «make a fuss», «kick up a fuss», «make a fuss of someone», «what's all the fuss about?», «fuss over», «no fuss».

Examples

• Don't make a fuss — it's only a small scratch. tree →
• What's all the fuss about? tree →
• Grandma always makes a fuss of us when we visit. tree →
• He kicked up a fuss when his game was turned off. tree →
• Stop fussing with your hair! tree →
• Dad fussed over the dinner all afternoon. tree →
• She did her homework without any fuss. tree →
• The dog loves a fuss behind the ears. tree →

Note

Plural rarely used (fusses). Verb: fussed, fussing. Adjective: fussy (picky): «a fussy eater». «Make a fuss» (complain) is not the same as «make a fuss of» (pamper someone).