ruffle
pronunciation
How to pronounce ruffle in British English:
UK [ˈrʌfl]
How to pronounce ruffle in American English:
US [ˈrʌfəl]
-
- Noun:
- a strip of pleated material used as a decoration or a trim
- a high tight collar
- a noisy fight
-
- Verb:
- stir up (water) so as to form ripples
- trouble or vex
- to walk with a lofty proud gait, often in an attempt to impress others
- discompose
- twitch or flutter
- mix so as to make a random order or arrangement
- erect or fluff up
- disturb the smoothness of
- pleat or gather into a ruffle
Word Origin
- ruffle (v.)
- early 14c., "to disturb the smoothness of," perhaps from Old Norse hrufla "to scratch," or Low German ruffelen "to wrinkle, curl," both of unknown origin. Meaning "disarrange" (hair or feathers) first recorded late 15c.; sense of "annoy, distract" is from 1650s. Related: Ruffled; ruffling.
- ruffle (n.)
- "ornamental frill," 1707, from ruffle (v.).
Example
- 1. Yoshihiko noda is not known in japan as someone to ruffle feathers .
- 2. Mr ruffle mostly avoids state-run companies , which he considers inefficient .
- 3. As consumer credit levels start to rise , ruffle reckons china is set for a consumer boom .
- 4. " There is huge interest in china but no money . We have seen little inflow for two years , " says mr ruffle .
- 5. " China is very political . It pays to put your feet into the shoes of the politburo and work out what they are trying to do here , " says mr ruffle .