Bruhaha

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A noisy and overexcited reaction or uproar often resulting from a disagreement or controversy
2. An uproar or commotion generated by a situation, frequently involving public outcry or discontent
3. A cacophony of noise or fuss that arises from a conflict or heated discussion among individuals or groups

Etymology: The word "bruhaha" is a misspelling of "brouhaha", so the history below is that of "brouhaha". Its most striking claim is a proposed origin in a Hebrew greeting. Hebrew "barukh haba" means "welcome", literally "blessed is he who comes", and the suggestion is that a noisy welcome of this kind, shouted at arrivals, could have been carried into French and turned into a word for commotion. The theory is attractive but unproven, and the word's origin is generally treated as uncertain. What is secure is the French link. English borrowed the word from French, where "brouhaha" already described a hubbub or uproar. Its sound alone, a doubled rhythm of two syllables, suggests the noise it names, and that onomatopoeic quality may help explain why it spread so easily.

Synonyms: uproar, commotion, hubbub, fuss, ruckus

Antonyms: calm, peace, serenity