fuss at
Scold or complain straight at somebody.
Also called fussin' at, get onto.
Updated September 21, 2026
fuss at pronunciation
/FUSS at/
Meaning
Southern way to say you got onto somebody. Mama will fuss at you for muddy boots. The boss will fuss at the crew for showing up late. It aims the complaint at a person, not just the weather or the world. Usually a family-level scolding, not a courtroom speech.
How folks use it
- “Don't fuss at me. I'm gonna do it, I just ain't had time.”
- “She fussed at him all the way home for leaving the gate open.”
Origin and etymology
Fuss has long meant complain or quarrel. Southern and South Midland speech pairs it with "at" to mark who catches the heat. DARE notes fuss in that regional scolding sense. Cousins include get onto and fuss somebody out.
Frequently asked questions
Is fuss at the same as fuss over?
No. Fuss at means scold. Fuss over means hover and spoil somebody with attention.