Fessing

Fessing is the act of confessing or admitting something, especially in informal speech. It is the present participle form of the slang verb fess, a shortened version of confess. The related phrase fess up means to admit responsibility or wrongdoing, and fessing up refers to the act of making that confession. In usage, fessing is typically found in casual conversation, informal writing, or quoted speech, rather than formal or legal contexts.

Etymology and usage: Fess is believed to have originated in American slang in the mid-20th century as a clipping of confess. The precise origins are unclear, but the term quickly became common in everyday talk to describe candid admissions. Because of its colloquial nature, fessing appears more in spoken language or light journalism than in academic or official prose.

Grammar and variants: Fess and its forms are informal. Common variants include fess up (infinitive), fessing (present participle), fessed up (past tense), and fesses up (third-person singular). While the phrase can function as a verb in speech, it is rarely used in formal writing. A related concept is “confession” or “admission,” which are more neutral and widely acceptable in formal contexts.

See also: confession, admission, apologize, own up.

Notes: As slang, fessing can carry a pragmatic or humorous tone, signaling a forthcoming or reluctant admission. In translating or transcribing, maintain the informal register where appropriate.