“Brouhaha”: The Symphony of Uproar and Commotion
Definition
A commotion, an uproar. Adopted from a fifteenth-century French term imitating a loud confused noise, “brouhaha” entered English in the late 1800s and has since settled comfortably into its cushy cliché chair.
Synonyms
- Hullabaloo
- Ruckus
- Rumpus
- Kerfuffle
Antonyms
- Serenity
- Calm
- Peace
Humorous Quotes
- “All this brouhaha because someone couldn’t articulate their soup preferences.” — Chef Jacques, self-proclaimed souper-hero
Proverbs and Expressions
- “It’s much ado about nothing.” —Shakespeare, encapsulating brouhahas long before they were mainstream
- “Tempest in a teapot.” — An American idiom underscoring an unnecessary uproar
Recommended Literature
- Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare: Dive into a realm of romantic misunderstandings and social vintage brouhahas.
- The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger: Every teenage angst outburst is its own front-page brouhaha in Holden’s world.
Songs
- “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen: Reminds us that even the most cumbersome heaps of chaos can be transformed into art.
Movies
- Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: A day’s worth of uproar and commotion perpetuated by high school shenanigans and Ferris’ quest for ultimate freedom.
Inspirational Farewell Thought
“Remember, every brouhaha started as a babble. Tame that inner clatter and transform life’s noise into melodies of laughter and learning.” —F. S. Boisterous
### Which word means a noisy commotion or uproar?
- [x] Brouhaha
- [ ] Quiescence
- [ ] Solitude
- [ ] Tranquility
> **Explanation:** "Brouhaha" is a term adopted from French, referring to a loud, confused noise or uproar. Quiescence, solitude, and tranquility are all about peace and quiet, which clearly isn’t the point.
### True or False: "Brouhaha" entered the English language in the late 1900s
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** "Brouhaha" actually entered the English language in the late 1800s, bringing with it nothing but noise and confusion.
### Which of these is synonymous with "brouhaha"?
- [x] Kerfuffle
- [ ] Tranquility
- [ ] Meditation
- [ ] Equanimity
> **Explanation:** "Kerfuffle" is synonymous with "brouhaha," marking an event filled with noise and commotion. "Tranquility," "meditation," and "equanimity" are more about calmness and peace.
### Identify the antonym of "brouhaha."
- [ ] Rumpus
- [ ] Hullabaloo
- [x] Serenity
- [ ] Pandaemonium
> **Explanation:** "Serenity" is the perfect antonym of "brouhaha," suggesting a state of peace and quiet as opposed to streaming chaos and uproar.
### Which classic Shakespearean work suggests that major brouhahas are often overblown?
- [x] Much Ado About Nothing
- [ ] Hamlet
- [ ] Romeo and Juliet
- [ ] King Lear
> **Explanation:** "Much Ado About Nothing" is Shakespeare mocking the perception of grandeur in life’s trivial uproars, reminding us to turn down the noise a bit.
