brouhaha

hubbub, uproar

noun broo-ah-AH Rare

Origin: Onomatopoeic; the word imitates the sound of a crowd.

Usage Note

brouhaha is an onomatopoeic word for the confused noise of a crowd or excited reaction. It is used in both French and English with the same meaning. In French it is always masculine and uncountable (un brouhaha s'éleva). It suggests a lively, perhaps chaotic, buzz rather than simple noise.

Examples

"Un brouhaha s'éleva dans la salle après l'annonce."

Natural Translation

A hubbub rose in the room after the announcement.

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