âFeeningâ means craving something intensely, often used in slang. âFeigningâ means pretending or faking something, usually an emotion or action.
Though they sound similar, the two words have completely different meanings and should never be used interchangeably.
Have you ever typed a word confidently, only to realize later that it wasnât even the right word? If âfeeningâ or âfeigningâ has ever made you stop and wonder which one is correct, youâre definitely not alone. These two terms sound almost identical, but their meanings couldnât be more differentâand using the wrong one can completely change the message youâre trying to convey.
Whether youâve seen someone say theyâre âfeening for coffeeâ or accuse someone of âfeigning interest,â understanding the difference matters in texting, social media, everyday conversation, and even formal writing.
In this article, weâll break down what each term actually means, their origins, how theyâre used across different platforms, and how to avoid embarrassing mistakes. Weâll also look at real conversation examples, related terms, FAQs, and usage doâs and don’ts.
What Does âFeeningâ / âFeigningâ Mean?
Feening Meaning (Slang) :
âFeeningâ is slang for craving, wanting, or obsessively desiring something, often used playfully or exaggeratedly. It comes from the word âfiending,â originally meaning the intense cravings associated with addiction, but now used casually in texting and social platforms.
Feigning Meaning (Formal English):
âFeigningâ means pretending, faking, or giving a false appearance of a feeling, action, or behavior. It comes from Old French and is commonly used in literature, professional writing, and formal speech.
Origin and Popularity
Feening (Fiending â Feening)
- The slang term âfeeningâ evolved from âfiending,â rooted in the word fiend, associated with strong craving.
- Became popular in 90s hip-hop culture, appearing frequently in song lyrics.
- Re-emerged in the 2010sâ2020s thanks to Twitter, TikTok, and meme culture.
Timeline:
- 1990s: Hip-hop uses âfiendinââ to mean intense craving
- 2000s: Spreads through urban slang
- 2020s: TikTok normalizes the spelling âfeeningâ
Feigning
- Comes from the Middle English word feinen, meaning to pretend.
- Originated from Old French âfeindre,â meaning to pretend or shirk.
- Has been used in literature for centuries.
- Still common in academic, professional, and formal writing.
âFeeningâ / âFeigningâ Meaning in Different Contexts
In Texting
- Feening: Used casually to express craving or desire.
Example: âIâm feening for pizza rn.â - Feigning: Rarely used in everyday texting; more formal.
Example: âSheâs feigning surprise but she already knew.â
On Instagram / TikTok
- Feening: Popular in captions and comments.
Example: âFeening over this new outfit đâ - Feigning: Used ironically or humorously.
Example: âFeigning productivity like đâ
In Professional or Academic Writing
- Feening: â Never appropriate.
- Feigning: â Used correctly to describe false or staged behavior.
Example: âThe employee was feigning interest during the meeting.â
đ Comparison Table: Feening vs. Feigning
| Feature | Feening | Feigning |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Craving something intensely | Pretending or faking |
| Word Type | Slang | Formal English |
| Origin | From âfiendingâ (hip-hop slang) | Old French âfeindreâ |
| Usage Level | Casual | Formal |
| Platforms | Texting, TikTok, Instagram | Essays, emails, descriptions |
| Example | âIâm feening for sushi!â | âHe was feigning excitement.â |

Repast / Repass: The Hidden Meaning Youâre Using Wrong đź
Examples of âFeeningâ / âFeigningâ in Conversations
Casual Texting Examples
Friend 1: Bro Iâm feening for bubble tea right now.
Friend 2: Same! Letâs go get some.
Person A: Iâm feening to watch the new season already!
Person B: It drops tomorrow, chill đ
Social Media Example
Comment: Tell me why Iâm feening over this outfit đđ„
Formal Example Using âFeigningâ
âThe manager accused the intern of feigning interest during the presentation.â
Mixed Example
A: She was feening to see him.
B: And he was feigning confidence the whole time.
Similar or Related Terms
Related to Feening
- Craving
- Obsessed with
- Yearning
- Thirsting (slang)
Related to Feigning
- Pretending
- Faking
- Simulating
- Acting
Related Internet Slang
| Slang Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| WYD | What you doing? |
| LMK | Let me know |
| FR | For real |
| Lowkey | Slightly, secretly |
| Highkey | Openly, obviously |
How to Use âFeeningâ / âFeigningâ Correctly
â Do Use âFeeningâ When:
- Talking casually with friends
- Posting on TikTok or Instagram
- Expressing craving or desire
- Using humorous exaggeration
â Donât Use âFeeningâ When:
- Writing essays
- Speaking professionally
- Sending formal messages
- Describing real addiction (insensitive)
â Do Use âFeigningâ When:
- Explaining fake behavior
- Writing reports, essays, or narratives
- Describing emotional pretense
â Donât Use âFeigningâ When:
- You mean craving
- You want a slang term
- Youâre texting casually (sounds too formal)
Common Mistakes or Misinterpretations
â Mistake 1: Using âfeeningâ to mean pretending
Incorrect: âHe was feening interest.â
Correct: âHe was feigning interest.â
â Mistake 2: Using âfeigningâ in slang contexts
Incorrect: âIâm feigning for ice cream.â
Correct: âIâm feening for ice cream.â
â Mistake 3: Misspelling âfeeningâ as âfiendingâ
Both are used, but:
- Fiending = original hip-hop spelling
- Feening = modern social media spelling
â Mistake 4: Thinking they are synonyms
They are notâone is craving, the other is pretending.
FAQ Section
1. What does âfeeningâ mean in texting?
âFeeningâ means craving or wanting something intensely. Itâs a slang term used mostly on social media or in casual conversation to express a strong desire.
2. Is âfeeningâ a real word?
While not officially recognized in most dictionaries, it is widely accepted in modern slang and comes from the word âfiending.â Itâs common in internet culture, music, and texting.
3. What does âfeigningâ mean?
âFeigningâ means pretending, faking, or giving a false appearance of something, often a feeling or action. It is a standard English word used in formal contexts.
4. Whatâs the difference between âfeeningâ and âfeigningâ?
âFeeningâ = craving.
âFeigningâ = pretending.
They sound similar but have opposite meanings.
5. Can I use âfeeningâ in formal writing?
No. Itâs purely slang. Use it in casual speech or social media only.
6. How do I reply when someone says theyâre âfeeningâ?
Use a casual response:
âSame!â
âLetâs get it then!â
âOmg me too.â
Conclusion
Now that you know the difference between feening and feigning, you can use each word confidently without confusing the two. Whether youâre texting, posting online, or writing something more formal, choosing the right term ensures your message is clear and accurate.
Feening expresses a craving, while feigning describes pretendingâsimple, right? The next time someone mixes them up, youâll know exactly how to explain it. Keep exploring our site for more slang breakdowns and language tips!

Mira Loxley is a passionate language and writing expert at Definevs.com, turning tricky words and grammar into clear, engaging guides for every reader.








