Messing: meaning, definitions and examples

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messing

 

[ mɛsɪŋ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

making a mess

To mess means to create a disorder or disarray, often implying some level of carelessness or disruption. It can also refer to the act of interfering with something in a way that complicates or upsets it.

Synonyms

disorganize, muddle, untidy

Examples of usage

  • Stop messing up the project!
  • He is always messing with my things.
  • I messed the recipe up by adding too much salt.
Context #2 | Noun

disorder or chaos

Mess can refer to a situation of confusion or untidiness. It can describe a physical space that is cluttered, or it may be used metaphorically to describe a complicated or troublesome situation.

Synonyms

chaos, disarray, shambles

Examples of usage

  • The room was a complete mess after the party.
  • She found herself in a financial mess.
  • His personal life is a mess right now.

Translations

Translations of the word "messing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bagunça

🇮🇳 गंदगी

🇩🇪 Unordnung

🇮🇩 kekacauan

🇺🇦 безлад

🇵🇱 bałagan

🇯🇵 混乱

🇫🇷 désordre

🇪🇸 desorden

🇹🇷 dağınıklık

🇰🇷 혼란

🇸🇦 فوضى

🇨🇿 nepořádek

🇸🇰 neporiadok

🇨🇳 混乱

🇸🇮 nered

🇮🇸 óreiða

🇰🇿 бұзылыс

🇬🇪 ჯაჭვი

🇦🇿 qarışıqlıq

🇲🇽 desorden

Etymology

The word 'mess' has its roots in Middle English 'messe', referring to a portion of food or a meal. It is derived from Old French 'messe', which can be traced back to Latin 'mensa', meaning 'table' or 'table of diners'. Over time, the meaning evolved from referring strictly to food portions served at a table to describe a situation of disorder or confusion. The verb form 'to mess' emerged later, reflecting the act of creating a disorderly situation. The colloquial use of 'messing around' introduces a playful or careless aspect to the word, indicating a light-hearted interference with something.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,348, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.