fuss

'Fuss' is an interesting word. It can be a noun and a verb, and can be made into an adjective and adverb. In general it is connected with paying a lot of attention to someone or something and sometimes having strong feelings about it. Usually it has a negative meaning but this depends on the situation.

Examples with a negative meaning include:

What was all the fuss about?
He kicked up a fuss over the late delivery of his order. (He probably got a bit angry with the delivery company)
Mary always gets into a fuss when she gets stressed.

In Britain we have the expression 'fusspot'. A fusspot is someone who is always finding problems with things.

Sometimes 'fuss' can be used positively:

I love making a fuss of my grandchildren when they come to visit.

If you are a 'fussy' person, you have particular likes and dislikes. A fussy eater may not like many kinds of food and be difficult to cook for.

Some examples:

She is much fussier than Tom.
He was the fussiest customer we've ever had. He didn't like the starter, main course or dessert!

You can use the negative to say you don't mind something:

'Do you want to go out or stay in and watch TV?'
'I'm not fussy...either is OK ' or 'I'm not fussed'

Rooms in a house can be fussy if there are too many designs,details or too much decoration.

Using 'fuss over' as a verb you can say:

Her ill mother didn't want to be fussed over. She just wanted to be left in peace.