When:
Lookups spiked on March 10, 2015.
Why:
Controversial Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson was suspended by the BBC following “a fracas with a BBC producer.” It was reported that Clarkson punched a male producer during filming.
Fracas means "a noisy quarrel" or "brawl." It came from the French word meaning "din" or "row," and ultimately from the Italian word meaning "shatter."
Much of the curiosity may be about pronunciation. Fracas is often pronounced as FRAY-kus play or FRAK-us play . Among British speakers it is pronounced as FRAK-ah play .
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
