Foolery

/ˈfuːləri/

Meaning & Definition

noun
foolish behavior or actions; a state or instance of being a fool.
His constant foolery during meetings made it hard for anyone to take him seriously.
a foolish act or remark; a prank or jest.
The foolery of the pranksters disrupted the entire event.
deceitful or foolish trickery.
She regarded his foolery as nothing more than a bad joke.
lack of good sense; foolish behavior.
Amidst the foolery, someone actually got hurt.

Etymology

Middle English fole, from Old French fol, from Latin follis 'bag, bellows', hence 'fool'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

fool's errand
A task that has little chance of success.
play the fool
To engage in foolish or silly behavior.
fool around
To waste time or behave in a silly way.

Related Words

fool
A person who lacks judgment or sense.
foolish
Lacking good sense or judgment.
foolhardy
Recklessly bold or rash.

Slang Meanings

Goofing off
Stop your foolery and get back to work.
Being silly
His foolery at the party made everyone laugh.