In Appalachian and Southern speech, "trifling / triflin’" can mean "petty or insignificant," and, of a person, "lazy, shiftless, or unreliable." The clipped form "triflin’" is especially common.
- Lazy / Unreliable (of a person) (adjective & noun)
Judging character
Hazel:
He’s too triflin’ to keep steady work.
Ruby:
Bless him, he needs to straighten up.
variations: triflin’, triflin, triflen
★ "Trifling" in standard English means "of little value," but in Southern/Appalachian speech triflin’ often extends to someone’s character - lazy, shiftless, or unreliable. Listen for tone to tell which sense is meant. ★
Origin and Etymology
From older English "trifle" ("a thing of little value"). The adjectival "trifling" spread widely; in Southern/Appalachian speech it developed a stronger personal sense ("a triflin’ man") that remains common in everyday talk and sermons.
Usage Notes
The clipped form triflin’ is typical in casual speech. As a noun, speakers sometimes say "a triflin’ (man/woman)" meaning a lazy or unreliable person.
Trifling matter - petty, not worth fussing over
Triflin’ person - lazy/no-account, unreliable
Don’t be triflin’ - stop wasting time or acting petty
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: "triflin’" (dropping the final -g) is the everyday form: "Don’t be so triflin’," "He’s a triflin’ man."
Not always - it can mean "petty/insignificant," or (of a person) "lazy/no-account," depending on context.
Is "triflin’" rude?
It can be sharp when aimed at a person; used about things, it simply means "not worth the fuss."
Is "triflin’" still used today?
Yes - it remains common in casual Southern/Appalachian speech and popular storytelling.
How to Cite This Page
APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 5). Trifling. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/trifling
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Trifling." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/trifling.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Trifling." HillbillySlang.com. October 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/trifling.
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Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
I've never used 'triflin',' but I've heard it used. I think it may be more regional. 
