tomfoolery

/tɑmˈfuləri/

Other forms: tomfooleries

Tomfoolery is foolishness. Starting a food fight in a cafeteria is an example of tomfoolery.

Tomfoolery is a silly-looking word, and it means a silly thing: foolish or ridiculous behavior. Tomfoolery is senseless behavior, like pulling pranks or being obnoxious. If a bunch of students in class keep talking and laughing, the teacher might yell "Stop your tomfoolery!" Tomfoolery can be annoying to others, but it's usually not serious. Committing a crime is a lot worse than tomfoolery. Tomfoolery is more like goofing around or being a clown.

Definitions of tomfoolery

1. noun

   foolish or senseless behavior
   synonyms: craziness, folly, foolery, indulgence, lunacy

   types:

   meshugaas, mishegaas, mishegoss

   (Yiddish) craziness; senseless behavior or activity

   buffoonery, clowning, frivolity, harlequinade, japery, prank

   acting like a clown or buffoon

   schtick, schtik, shtick, shtik

   (Yiddish) a prank or piece of clowning

   type of:

   caper, frolic, gambol, play, romp

   light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement