mess about
The phrase "mess about" is commonly used in British and American English to describe casual, aimless, or playful activities.
Definition
B2General
(informal)To spend time doing things in a relaxed or unstructured way without any particular goal.
Example
- They spent the afternoon just messing about in the park.
B2General
(informal)To behave in a playful or silly manner.
Example
- Stop messing about and get to work.
B2General
(informal)To handle or treat something carelessly or irresponsibly.
Example
- Don't mess about with my phone; it's fragile.
B2British English
(informal, regional)To treat someone unfairly or annoy them by not being reliable.
Example
- He's been messing me about with all his excuses.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "mess about":
mess aroundmess withmuck aboutmess upscrew aroundmuck upfool aroundplay arounddick aroundfiddle aroundfuck aroundmessed upmuddle upmix upmuss upscrew upfiddle withbugger upgoof upjoke aroundjerk aroundfoul upfuck withstuff upscrew withtool aroundfanny aboutpiss aboutmist upbug upbang aroundtrifle withplay withjumble upkick aroundtoss aroundmuddy upput it aboutmix it upbotched upruffle upscrewed upact uphot messfuck it upthrow aboutact a fooljumble togethermash upfuckered upplay the fool