messing with

Verb

mess with (third-person singular simple present messes with, present participle messing with, simple past and past participle messed with)

1. (colloquial) To interfere with.
   • Don't mess with the controls. I just got everything adjusted correctly.
2. (colloquial) To diss; to put down.
   • Hey! Quit messing with my brother.

   Synonyms:

   tangle, play hob with

3. (colloquial) To joke around with or dupe someone, in either a friendly or unfriendly manner.
   • Don't worry: I'm just messing with you.
4. (colloquial, especially African-American Vernacular) To admire, enjoy, or approve of.
   • You know I mess with you heavy.
5. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see mess, with. To eat with.
   • Resolved 18. That no Guide or Interpreter whether at the Factory Depot or Inland be permitted to mess with Commissioned Gentlemen or Clerks in charge of Posts; but while at the Depot they will be allowed per Week 4 days ordinary rations […]1836, George Simpson & al., HBC Standing Rules and Regulations, §18

   Synonyms:

   fuck with, play the devil with