carrying-on

American  

[kar-ee-ing-on, -awn] / ˈkær i ɪŋˈɒn, -ˈɔn /

noun

Informal.

plural

carryings-on

1. irresponsible, irritating, self-indulgent, or overwrought behavior.

   The baby-sitter was exhausted from the child's noisy carrying-on.

2. improper or immoral behavior.

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carrying-on British  

noun

1. unconventional or questionable behaviour

2. excited or flirtatious behaviour, esp when regarded as foolish

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Etymology

Origin of carrying-on

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

It was less of an axiom than an ethos for a carrying-on, proud people:

From Washington Post • Feb. 23, 2014

Ms. Murphy juxtaposes the comedy, the heartache and the carrying-on with a deft hand, so that sentimentality is kept at bay.

From New York Times • Jan. 8, 2010

“That’s what she’s struggling with. The carrying-on part. Is she there?”

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

Well, there couldn’t have been any carrying-on down at the store or we’d have heard about it long time ago.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

When she got going, laughing and carrying-on, what wouldn't she say, right out before anybody!

From The Brimming Cup by Fisher, Dorothy Canfield