frazzellating
Aggravating, worthless, or causing a useless fuss.
Also called frazzellatin', frazzling.
Updated September 21, 2026
frazzellating pronunciation
/FRAZ-uh-lay-tin/
Meaning
A rural Southern cuss-word cousin for something that will not behave. That frazzellating mower. A frazzellating lamp. DARE notes speakers aimed it at things, not people. It can also punch up a blank spot, like "haven't done a frazzellating thing." Feels like fussing and making a mess of the job without needing the real swear words.
How folks use it
- “That frazzellating weed eater choked out again halfway down the ditch.”
- “I ain't done a frazzellating thing since noon except fight this old radio.”
Origin and etymology
Built off frazzle, to fray or wear out, with a playful -ating ending. DARE recorded it in western Kentucky and northwest Tennessee. Related talk includes frazzlin' as a mild intensifier in early 1900s dialect notes. Never a nationwide word, just a local color curse for ornery objects.
Frequently asked questions
Do you call a person frazzellating?
Traditionally no. The word was aimed at aggravating things, not folks.