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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   #Southern

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.

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Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
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