ruckus
UK[ˈrʌkəs]US[ˈrʌkəs]
n
A noisy commotion, disturbance, or fuss.
Etymology
The origin of 'ruckus' is obscure but it is generally considered a blend of two earlier words, 'ruction' (meaning a disturbance or riot) and 'rumpus' (meaning a noisy commotion). 'Ruction' itself may derive from 'insurrection', while 'rumpus' is of unknown origin, perhaps imitative. First appearing in American English in the late 19th century, 'ruckus' carries forward the core meaning of its probable parents, denoting a noisy and often chaotic disturbance. Its formation exemplifies a common pattern in language where two words of similar meaning are fused to create a new, expressive term.
Analysis
The word 'ruckus' is a simplex word of uncertain, likely blended, origin. It does not contain separable, productive morphemes in modern English.
Examples
The children raised quite a ruckus in the living room while playing.
The new policy caused a political ruckus.
Please don't make a ruckus; the baby is finally asleep.