messing
Translation
messing around, messing with, messing up
Examples
Stop messing around and do your homework.
Stop messing around and do your homework.
Someone has been messing with my computer.
Someone has been messing with my computer.
He is always messing up the kitchen.
He is always messing up the kitchen.
Grammar Patterns
messing around to behave in a silly or playful way Stop messing around and do your homework.
messing with ((sb./sth.)) to interfere with (sb./sth.) Someone has been messing with my computer.
messing ((sth.)) up to spoil or ruin (sth.) or make it untidy He is always messing up the kitchen.
Similar Words
Etymology
The -ing form of the verb 'to mess'. 'Mess' originally meant 'a portion of food', later evolving to mean 'a jumble, a state of confusion'.
Memory Tips
Picture a 'messy' room. 'Messing' is the action of creating that state of untidiness.