What does tussling mean?
Tussling means engaging in a vigorous struggle, especially a brief physical contest involving grappling or wrestling. It may describe children or animals playfully wrestling, people struggling in a scuffle, or, more broadly, two people or groups competing for control. The word is also used figuratively for confronting problems, costs, opposition, or other obstacles: a household may be tussling with rising bills, while rival organizations tussle for influence. Although it can describe a rough physical struggle, tussling often sounds lighter or less threatening than fighting, suggesting shoving, grappling, or a short scuffle. Figuratively, it conveys persistent effort without necessarily implying a formal or especially hostile contest. Tussling is chiefly the present-participle form of the verb tussle and is widely understood in informal British and American English.
verbTo wrestle or grapple with someone, especially in a rough or brief struggle; by extension, to struggle or contend with a person, problem, or competing force.
- Engaging in a vigorous physical struggle or wrestling with someone.
- Struggling or contending with a person, group, problem, or competing force.
"The puppies were tussling over the socks before their owner stepped in."
"The puppies were tussling over the socks before their owner stepped in."
"Small businesses have been tussling with rising costs for months."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tussling come from?
Tussling is the present-participle and gerund form of the English verb tussle. The verb has been recorded in English since the early 17th century, but its precise origin is uncertain, so a secure family of related cognates cannot be supplied without speculation.
Related word forms
How tussling is actually used
Informal in both literal and figurative use. A physical tussle is often rough but less threatening than a serious fight; figurative use can suggest a determined but relatively prolonged contest.