noun / verb

scuffle

SKUHF-ul/ˈskʌfl/

A brief, disorderly fight or physical struggle.

A scuffle breaks out near the stadium entrance.

Two young adult women caught in a brief, disorderly close-quarters tussle, gripping each other's sleeves and pushing off balance, with awkward crossed arms and shuffling feet rather than practiced fighting poses.

Etymology

The noun comes from a verb meaning to push or fight confusedly at close quarters. It may be connected with scuff and the idea of shoving, but that derivation is disputed.

In context

Plainly Difficult521:09

a scuffle broke out with members of the public trying to get a gun from Kio's hands.

Rewind Year 7 of Plainly Difficult | Youtube Omnibus

More examples

The two boys scuffle over the stolen ball.
She loses her hat during the brief scuffle.
Security separates the scuffling spectators.

Forms

scuffle · scuffles · scuffled · scuffling

Similar words

tussle: Also suggests a brief struggle rather than an organized fight.
skirmish: A skirmish is a minor clash, often between groups; scuffle suggests close, confused physical struggling.