Wednesday, March 15

Is a Brouhaha worse than a Hullabaloo?

As there was not much else interesting going on, we decided to formalise our "sliding scale of conflict" list.  You see, quite often in the office, during a conversation, someone will make an offhand remark such as "I didn't want to cause a rumpus".  Such a statement invariably leads to at least a five minute discussion as everyone within earshot chips in as to whether a rumpus is worse than a furore and where a fracas fits in to it all.

So today we decided to write out the list, and organise it into some sort of order, so that when people say "Uproar" they can be sure that everyone around them understands that it is more serious than a "Mêlée" but not as serious as a "Rampage". 

(Because clarifying your terminology is important to aid effective communication, kids!) 
Of course, this is also the subject of much heated debate now, as finalising a word's position in the list can sometimes be a contentious issue (I mean, do you agree that a Barney is below a Tussle?).  So although this is not yet the definitive list (was hoping might get some further suggestions in the "Comments" section below) or the definitive order (that debate still rages on around me) here's a first draft:

War
Massacre
Battle
Riot
Rampage
Uproar
Mêlée
Fight
Skirmish
Fracas
Furore
Affray
Hullabaloo
Brouhaha
Rumpus
Ding-Dong
To-do
Struggle
Tussle
Set To
Barney
Clash
Disturbance
Commotion
Kafuffle
Dispute
Clamour
Fuss
Stir
Encounter

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