Posted by Alan Hakim on April 21, 2006 at 10:38:19 from 213.166.17.23 user awhakim.
In Reply to: Re: Messing about in boats - Re: Best memory/experience with boats posted by Prue Eckett on April 20, 2006 at 23:15:29:
Yes, 'messing about' other than in boats is almost always a reproach. My parents and teachers used it too. But the quotation has changed it from negative to positive in this precise context.