mess around
The phrase 'mess around' is versatile in informal English, often implying playful, idle, or casual behavior.
Definition
B2General
(informal)To spend time doing unimportant or trivial activities.
Example
- They spent the afternoon messing around in the park.
- Stop messing around and finish your homework.
B2Social Interaction
(informal)To joke or act playfully, often causing minor annoyance.
Example
- The kids were messing around and laughing loudly.
- Quit messing around and help me with this.
C1Romantic Relationships
(informal)To engage in a casual or non-committal romantic or sexual relationship.
Example
- They've been messing around for a few months, but it's nothing serious.
- He's not looking for anything serious; he's just messing around.
C1British English
(informal, british)To treat someone unfairly or cause them inconvenience by being unreliable.
Example
- I'm tired of being messed around; can you give me a straight answer?
- The contractor messed us around with constant delays.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "mess around":
play aroundmess aboutscrew aroundfool arounddick aroundfuck aroundfiddle aroundmuck aboutmess withjoke aroundjerk aroundtool aroundfiddle withplay withkick aroundbang aroundmess uphang aroundtrifle withtoss aroundmuck uprun aroundfuck withmix upfanny abouthang outplay the foolscrew upscrew withgoof uphang aboutmuddle upsneak aroundwork aroundmove aroundfeel aroundpiss aboutfiddle awaygo aroundplay the fieldmuss upmix it upbugger upbat aroundbeat around the bushplay fast and looseact a foollie aroundmessed upplay tricksdance aroundbe aroundfoul uplook aroundthrow aboutact upjump aroundplay alongfloat around