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to get involved with something or someone, often dangerous, in a way that might lead to problems or harm
to tease or joke with someone in a lighthearted and good-natured manner
to bother, provoke, or antagonize someone
What does "to mess with" mean in slang?
The phrase "to mess with" means to bother, tease, provoke, or interfere with someone. The structure uses "mess" to imply disruption or disturbance, and "with" to indicate the target of that behavior. It is commonly used in informal speech and can range from light teasing among friends to serious provocation or harassment depending on context.
(African American) to like, enjoy, approve of, or support someone or something
What does "to mess with" mean in African American slang?
It is used in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and hip hop culture to mean liking, enjoying, approving of, or supporting someone or something, often in a positive sense (contrary to the standard meaning of "mess with" as bother or fight). People typically say "I mess with that new song" or "Do you mess with her?" to ask if someone likes something.
