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rumpus

rumpus

11 7.6
Loud noise and activity, often with people shouting
  • noun
  • /ˈrʌmpəs/
translation icon : alboroto
  • He's making the most terrific rumpus out there.
  • rumpus room
  • wild rumpus
  • raise a rumpus

And for proof of that, we open the back door and let the wild rumpus start.

Examples

  • There was a rumpus.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • What's all the rumpus about?

  • And for proof of that, we open the back door and let the wild rumpus start.

  • - I'll raise quite a rumpus, if you try.

  • Somebody kindly tell me what all this rumpus is about.

  • What's the rumpus?

  • Glazed walls, ornate sconces, and a rumpus room bar.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Zoe began crying, shrieking... there was a tremendous uproar, a rumpus, and we didn't get to drink the champagne.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • I won't bore you with the story, but the rumpus was basically about a book written and published at Harvard and blessed with a sizable preface by President Bok.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The children caused a huge rumpus with their loud laughter and shouting during the party.

Synonyms

noise
vsrumpus
85 3.8

A loud public complaint or protest about something

is any noisy disturbance, not limited to protest or public complaint
row
vsrumpus
  • UK
74 6.0

A noisy argument between people

is a general noisy event and can be non-argumentative or playful
commotion
vsrumpus
73 4.1

A noisy situation when people are excited or confused

is a similar event but stresses loud shouting and active disorder
uproar
vsrumpus
47 3.9

A loud, confused noise and activity by a group of people

is often less intense, emphasizing noisy disturbance rather than full disorder
disturbance
vsrumpus
45 3.7

A noisy event in a public place that bothers other people

is more informal, often involving shouting and loud activity
ruckus
vsrumpus
  • Informal
31 6.8

A loud, confused noise made by people arguing or shouting

is a general noisy disturbance that often includes shouting rather than fighting
din
vsrumpus
28 3.9

Loud, unpleasant noise that continues and comes from many sources

is an event with loud activity and shouting rather than steady background noise
squabble
vsrumpus
  • Informal
27 4.2

A noisy argument about something unimportant

is broader, covering any loud disturbance whether trivial or serious
hubbub
vsrumpus
17 5.1

A loud, confused noise made by a crowd

focuses more on active shouting and visible commotion rather than continuous sound
tumult
vsrumpus
12 7.7

A noisy, confused situation with a crowd behaving badly

is a smaller noisy disturbance often marked by shouting rather than mass disorder
hullabaloo
vsrumpus
  • Informal
7 7.9

A loud noisy fuss made by people, often during protests or celebrations

is like that but can be any loud disturbance, not only group protest
shouting match
vsrumpus
  • Informal
7 3.8

A noisy argument in which people try to shout louder than each other

is a general loud disturbance that may include shouting but not just arguments
wrangle
vsrumpus
2 7.4

A noisy argument that lasts a long time

is a shorter noisy disturbance or commotion, not necessarily prolonged argument
donnybrook
vsrumpus
2 9.1

A noisy public fight or argument that causes trouble

is less chaotic and can be any noisy commotion, not necessarily a fight
hurly-burly
vsrumpus
  • Literature
1 9.6

A noisy, confused situation with many people and activity

is a noisy disturbance that may be smaller and not fully chaotic
hurly
vsrumpus
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A noisy disturbance among people in one place

is similar but usually highlights shouting and loud individual actions
ruction
vsrumpus
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A noisy argument or fight that makes a place loud and confused

is broader, covering loud activity beyond just arguments or disorder
barney
vsrumpus
  • Slang
1 8.6

A noisy argument between people, often in public

is broader, covering noisy disturbances that may not be argumentative
8.5

A sudden violent crowd event that causes confusion and danger

is milder and less violent, focusing on noisy activity and shouting
hoolihan
vsrumpus
  • Archaic
9.9

A loud, lively gathering with dancing and cheering

is modern and neutral, focusing on loud disturbance rather than dance usage

Antonyms

660 2.0

A period with no sound or speech

52 1.0

A quiet, peaceful feeling that helps you stay steady

Compounds

rumpus room
  • Australian
4 5.5

A room in a house for noisy play, games, and parties

How Noisy

pandemonium
22 8.0
uproar
47 3.9
rumpus
11 7.6
commotion
73 4.1
disturbance
  • Specialized
80 4.1
fuss
145 1.5

Surface Forms

rumpus singular
rumpuses plural

Etymology

Rumpus probably comes from the English verb romp, which means 'rough play', or from the Latin rumpere 'to break', so imagine people romping loudly and making a noisy mess. That's why rumpus means a noisy commotion or disturbance.