fooling
word · lemma: fool
/ˈfuɫɪŋ/
FOO-ling
/fˈuːlɪŋ/
FOO-ling
Definition
Present participle of 'fool'. It can mean deceiving someone, or acting in a silly, playful, or not-serious way depending on the context.
Usage & Nuances
Often appears in 'be fooling' or 'fooling around'. 'Fooling' alone can mean deceiving, but in casual speech it often suggests joking or not being serious. Don't confuse it with 'cheating': 'fooling' is broader and can be playful.
Spanish: engañar - hacer tonteríasPortuguese (BR): enganando - brincandoPortuguese (PT): enganar - brincarChinese (Simplified): 欺骗 - 胡闹Chinese (Traditional): 欺騙 - 胡鬧Hindi: धोखा देना - मस्ती करनाArabic: يخدع - يمزحBengali: ঠকানো - মজা করাRussian: обманывать - дурачитьсяJapanese: 騙している - ふざけているVietnamese: lừa - đùa giỡnKorean: 속이는 것 - 장난치는 것Turkish: kandırmak - şakalaşmakUrdu: بے وقوف بنانا - مذاق کرناIndonesian: menipu - bercanda
Example Sentences
He is fooling his little brother with a fake story.
basic
The kids are fooling in the yard after school.
basic
Are you fooling, or do you really mean that?
basic
Quit fooling around and help me carry these boxes.
natural
I thought she was fooling me, but the news was true.
natural
No, I'm not fooling—they offered me the job yesterday.
natural