noun
confusion; turmoil; hustle and bustle
Describes a chaotic, busy situation where things are out of order. Often used in the phrase どさくさに紛れて (taking advantage of the confusion).
引っ越しのどさくさで、大事な書類をなくしてしまった。
In the confusion of moving, I lost an important document.
どさくさに紛れて、誰かが私の傘を持って行った。
Someone took my umbrella in the confusion.
noun or participle which takes 'suru', adverb
rush around frantically; act in a fluster
Rare mimetic use describing frantic, disorganized movement or behavior. Modern usage is mostly limited to the noun sense.
彼は遅刻しそうで、どさくさと準備を始めた。
He was about to be late and started getting ready in a fluster.