Definition of ruffle

ruffleverb

xù lông

/ˈrʌfl//ˈrʌfl/

The word "ruffle" has its origins in the Middle English language, specifically from the term "ruffeln," which meant "to wrinkle or crinkle." This term was eventually borrowed by the Old French language, where it morphed into "ruffeler," meaning "one who crinkles or wrinkles." The term "ruffle" itself made its first appearance in the English language during the 17th century, specifically in reference to a frilly type of fabric or trimming. The frills and ruffles, which were popular among women's dresses and collars during this time, were created by wrinkling, crinkling, or pleating the fabric in a unique and decorative way. Over time, the meaning of the word "ruffle" has expanded to include any object or item with a crinkled, wavy, or wrinkled texture. Today, the word "ruffle" can be used to describe everything from a frilly tablecloth to the waved texture of a woman's hair, thanks in large part to the rich history and evolution of the word from its Middle English origins to its modern-day usage.

namespace

to alter the smooth surface of something, so that it is not even

để thay đổi bề mặt nhẵn của một cái gì đó, để nó thậm chí không còn

Example:
  • She ruffled his hair affectionately.

    Cô vuốt tóc anh một cách trìu mến.

  • A light breeze ruffled the surface of the lake.

    Một cơn gió nhẹ lay động mặt hồ.

  • The bird ruffled up its feathers.

    Con chim xù lông lên.

to make somebody annoyed, worried or upset

làm ai khó chịu, lo lắng hoặc khó chịu

Example:
  • Nothing ever seems to ruffle Susan.

    Dường như không có gì có thể khiến Susan bối rối.

  • She was obviously ruffled by his question.

    Rõ ràng là cô ấy đang bối rối trước câu hỏi của anh.

  • He never gets ruffled, even under pressure.

    Anh ấy không bao giờ xù lông, thậm chí dưới áp lực.

Related words and phrases

Related words and phrases

Idioms

ruffle somebody’s/a few feathers
(informal)to annoy or upset somebody or a group of people
  • The senator's speech ruffled a few feathers in the business world.
    • smooth (somebody’s) ruffled feathers
    to make somebody feel less angry or offended