Meaning & Definition of word "Toying"
Toying
/ˈtɔɪ.ɪŋ/
verb:
- 1. To handle or play with something in a casual or playful manner.
- Example: She was toying with a strand of her hair while listening to the lecture.
- 2. To treat something or someone without serious intention; to manipulate or play with ideas or feelings.
- Example: He was just toying with the idea of moving to another city.
- 3. To engage in playful or flirtatious behavior.
- Example: They were toying with each other’s affections, not taking their relationship seriously.
Etymology
●From the word 'toy', which originates from Middle English 'toye', meaning 'a thing, a trifle'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
toying with someone's emotions:
to handle or treat someone's feelings carelessly or deceitfully.
toying around:
engaging in playful or silly activities.
Related Words
toy:
an object for children to play with; a plaything.
play:
engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation.
fiddle:
to move something around in an aimless way.
Slang Meanings of toying
Meaning: messing around
● Example Sentence: Stop toying with that; you're just messing around.
Meaning: playing games
● Example Sentence: She felt like he was just toying with her emotions, playing games instead of being honest.