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Phrasal verbs "fool around" vs "mess around"

Differences between fool around and mess around

Both fool around and mess around mean to waste time or engage in playful, often mischievous behavior. However, fool around can also mean to cheat on someone or to act foolishly, while mess around can also mean to tamper with something or to handle it carelessly.

Meanings and Definitions: fool around vs mess around

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Fool around

  • 1Not be serious.

    The teacher was angry because the class were FOOLING AROUND.

  • 2Be unfaithful.

    She suspects her husband is FOOLING AROUND with one of her friends.

Mess around

  • 1Not be serious, play with something.

    I was MESSING AROUND on the internet because I couldn't be bothered to do any work.

  • 2Treat someone badly.

    She is always MESSING me AROUND and never does what she promises.

  • 3Have a sexual relationship outside marriage or a permanent relationship.

    She's not faithful- she's been MESSING ABOUT since they got married.

Usage Examples: fool around, mess around in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

fool around

Example

They often fool around during breaks.

Example

He fools around in class instead of paying attention.

mess around

Example

He likes to mess around with his friends after school.

Example

She messes around on her phone instead of studying.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Fool around

act silly

To behave in a playful or foolish manner.

Example

The kids love to act silly and make funny faces in front of the camera.

cheat on

To be unfaithful to one's partner by engaging in a romantic or sexual relationship with someone else.

Example

He lost his girlfriend's trust after he cheated on her with his ex-girlfriend.

goof off

To waste time or procrastinate instead of doing something productive.

Example

He always likes to goof off and play video games instead of studying for his exams.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Mess around

tamper with

To interfere with something without permission or to handle it carelessly.

Example

It's dangerous to tamper with electrical equipment if you don't know what you're doing.

play with

To handle or manipulate something in a playful or careless way.

Example

He likes to play with his food instead of eating it properly.

fool with

To handle or manipulate something in a playful or careless way, often with the intention of causing harm or damage.

Example

Don't fool with that knife, it's sharp and dangerous.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “fool”

Phrasal Verbs with “around”

Differences in fool around vs mess around: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: fool around or mess around?

In everyday conversation, mess around is slightly more common than fool around. Both phrases are used informally and casually, but mess around is used more frequently in American English.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of fool around and mess around

Neither fool around nor mess around are formal expressions. They are suitable for casual conversations with friends and family, but not appropriate for business or academic contexts.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of fool around and mess around

The tone of both fool around and mess around is generally playful and lighthearted, but can also be negative depending on the context. Fool around can have a negative connotation when referring to cheating or acting foolishly, while mess around can have a negative connotation when referring to tampering with something or handling it carelessly.

fool around & mess around: Synonyms and Antonyms

Fool around

Synonyms

  • mess around
  • play around
  • act up
  • joke around
  • lark about

Antonyms

Mess around

Synonyms

Antonyms

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