Scuffle Meaning in English

word

US

ˈskəfəɫ

SKUH-ful

UK

skˈʌfəl

SKUHF-uhl

Definition

A short, confused fight or struggle, often with pushing and shoving but not serious harm. It can also be used as a verb meaning to fight briefly in a disorderly way.

Usage & Nuances

'Scuffle' is usually informal and describes minor, physical altercations without weapons. Common in news reports or everyday speech. Not as serious as 'fight' or 'brawl'. Often used with 'break out' or 'get into a scuffle'.

• Spanish: pelea - forcejeo
• Portuguese (BR): briga - confusão (luta rápida)
• Portuguese (PT): zaragata - rixa
• Chinese (Simplified): 扭打 - 小冲突
• Chinese (Traditional): 扭打 - 小糾紛
• Hindi: झगड़ना - धक्का-मुक्की
• Arabic: شجار خفيف - عراك بسيط
• Bengali: ধস্তাধস্তি - ছোটখাটো মারামারি
• Russian: драка - потасовка
• Japanese: 小競り合い - もみ合い
• Vietnamese: xô xát - ẩu đả nhỏ
• Korean: 몸싸움 - 소동
• Turkish: arbede - itiş kakış
• Urdu: تکرار - ہلکی جھڑپ
• Indonesian: perkelahian kecil - baku dorong

Example Sentences

Two boys had a scuffle in the playground.

basic

A scuffle broke out near the entrance.

basic

The police quickly ended the scuffle.

basic

They got into a little scuffle over the last piece of cake.

natural

A brief scuffle with security got him thrown out of the concert.

natural

There was a bit of a scuffle when the store opened its doors on Black Friday.

natural