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."
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I've never used 'triflin',' but I've heard it used. I think it may be more regional.