Triflin’
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "trifling / triflin’" can mean "petty or insignificant," and, of a person, "lazy, shiftless, or unreliable." The clipped form "triflin’" is especially common.
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I've never used 'triflin',' but I've heard it used. I think it may be more regional. Pronunciation
Meaning & Usage
- Petty / Insignificant (adjective)
Quit fussin’ over that trifling scratch.You’re right - it ain’t nothin’.- Lazy / Unreliable (of a person) (adjective & noun)
He’s too triflin’ to keep steady work.Bless him, he needs to straighten up.Origin
From older English "trifle" ("a thing of little value"). The adjectival "trifling" spread widely; in Southern/Appalachian speech it developed a stronger personal sense ("a triflin’ man") that remains common in everyday talk and sermons.
Notes
The clipped form triflin’ is typical in casual speech. As a noun, speakers sometimes say "a triflin’ (man/woman)" meaning a lazy or unreliable person.
- Trifling matter - petty, not worth fussing over
- Triflin’ person - lazy/no-account, unreliable
- Don’t be triflin’ - stop wasting time or acting petty
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: "triflin’" (dropping the final -g) is the everyday form: "Don’t be so triflin’," "He’s a triflin’ man."