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Foolin’ With

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "foolin’ with" (usually written "fooling with") means either bothering with something or having anything to do with it. It often carries a warning tone - don’t mess with that mower, don’t tangle with that business, don’t get near that kind of trouble.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #DialectandGrammar   #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...
Talking about 'foolin' with something...' is in everday speech around here. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Talking about 'foolin' with something...' is in everday speech around here. 

Pronunciation

[FOOL-in with]

Meaning & Usage

- To bother with or mess with something

Used when deciding whether to take the time, effort, or trouble. "I wouldn’t fool with that old mower - it won’t run."

- To have anything to do with (often negative)

Used to set a boundary - don’t tangle with it, don’t touch it, don’t risk it. "I don’t fool with snakes."
variations: messing with, bothering with, tangling with, having to do with

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "fool-in’ with." The "g" drops.

Kin Topics

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    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 23). Foolin’ With. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/fooling-with
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    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Foolin’ With." HillbillySlang.com, 23 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/fooling-with.
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    The Hillbilly Dude. "Foolin’ With." HillbillySlang.com. September 23, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/fooling-with.
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