row-de-dow

A child makes a row-de-dow with a toy drum.

Definition

Noun: A noisy, lively, or uproarious commotion; a rowdy or boisterous disturbance.

• Etymology: Likely an onomatopoeic formation, imitating the sound of a loud, chaotic gathering or the beating of a drum in a noisy procession.

Usage Examples

• (A noisy, chaotic commotion.)
• (A loud, boisterous disturbance.)

Advanced Usage

• "to raise a row-de-dow": To cause a loud, disorderly scene.
  • The protesters raised a row-de-dow outside the government building, shouting and banging on drums. (They created a noisy disturbance.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rowdy (adj): Noisy and disorderly.

  • The rowdy crowd cheered loudly at the concert. (The crowd was boisterous and unruly.)

• Ruckus (n): A noisy disturbance or commotion.

  • The sudden ruckus in the hallway startled everyone. (A loud, confused noise.)

Synonyms

• Hubbub: A chaotic mixture of noise and activity.
• Uproar: A loud and impassioned noise or disturbance.
• Clamor: A loud and confused noise, especially of shouting.

Related Idioms

• Raise a ruckus: To cause a noisy disturbance.

  • The children raised a ruckus when they couldn't find their toys. (They created a loud commotion.)

• Kick up a fuss: To complain or cause trouble noisily.

  • The customer kicked up a fuss about the poor service. (He complained loudly and disruptively.)