Foofaraw

/ˈfuːfəˌrɔː/ noun

Definition

Unnecessary activity, fuss, or commotion about something unimportant; meaningless excitement or bother.

Etymology

American slang of uncertain origin, possibly from French 'foufre' (emptiness) or reduplication patterns common in English. First documented in American English around the 1890s with the meaning of frivolous activity.

Kelly Says

Foofaraw is a genuinely mysterious word—etymologists still aren't sure where it came from, but it perfectly captures that particular American annoyance at wasted effort and silly spectacle, which is why cowboys and frontier folk loved using it.

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