tomfoolery

[ tom-foo-luh-ree ]

noun

, plural tom·fool·er·ies.

1. foolish or silly behavior; tomfoolishness.

   Synonyms: silliness, foolishness, monkeyshine, horseplay

2. a silly act, matter, or thing.

tomfoolery

/ ˌtɒmˈfuːlərɪ /

noun

1. foolish behaviour
2. utter nonsense; rubbish

Word History and Origins

Origin of tomfoolery¹

First recorded in 1805–15; tomfool + -ery

Example Sentences

I ought to be above feeling annoyed at this tomfoolery—but these conjuring fellows go too far.

From Project Gutenberg

I ain't goin' to listen to any tomfoolery, and I ain't goin' to have anybody dictatin' to me about my own business.

From Project Gutenberg

That comes of no tomfoolery in eating, and a good regular brushing night and morning.

From Project Gutenberg

We are in a civilized land here, and we cant have tomfoolery of this kind.

From Project Gutenberg

And for the other tomfoolery, pretending to search premises: Cope has a warrant?

From Project Gutenberg