What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
foolery
Example
The children engaged in some harmless foolery during recess. [foolery: noun]
Example
She couldn't help but laugh at his foolish antics. [foolish: adjective]
tomfoolery
Example
I won't tolerate any more of your tomfoolery in class. [tomfoolery: noun]
Example
He was up to his usual tomfoolery, trying to prank his coworkers. [usual: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Foolery is more commonly used than tomfoolery in everyday language. Foolery is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while tomfoolery is less common and may be considered more informal or colloquial.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between foolery and tomfoolery?
Both foolery and tomfoolery are generally informal and casual words, but foolery may be slightly more formal due to its longer history and wider usage.
