'fuss' probably originates in English in the mid-18th century; its exact origin is uncertain and it may be imitative or dialectal in nature.

'fuss' appears in mid-18th-century English usage meaning 'a bustle, disturbance, or excessive concern' and has remained in English since then; there are few clear cognates in older languages.

Initially, it meant 'a disturbance or commotion'; over time it broadened to include 'unnecessary worry or fussing about small things' and the verb sense 'to worry or make a fuss' developed.