daffing

American  

[daf-ing] / ˈdæf ɪŋ /

noun

Scot. and North England.

1. silliness; playful behavior; merriment;

2. Archaic. insanity.

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Etymology

Origin of daffing

First recorded in 1525–35; daff ¹ + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

He knew there would be no laughing and daffing about the work, if Thora Ragnor had the doing of it.”

From An Orkney Maid by Barr, Amelia Edith Huddleston

At bughts, in the morning, nae blythe lads are scorning,   Lasses are lonely and dowie and wae; Nae daffing, nae gabbing, but sighing and sabbing,   Ilk ane lifts her leglin and hies her away.

From Bulchevy's Book of English Verse by Quiller-Couch, Arthur Thomas, Sir

"And loon," Burns threw in, daffing with her.

From Nancy Stair A Novel by Lane, Elinor Macartney

Miss Mary, she would be daffing with him on his return, with a 'How's her leddyship to-day, Dugald?' and he would be in a pleasant vexation at this guessing of what he thought his secret.

From Gilian The Dreamer His Fancy, His Love and Adventure by Munro, Neil

“Is there any reason to refrain from laughing and daffing while at that work?”

From An Orkney Maid by Barr, Amelia Edith Huddleston