Arse about
phrasal verb
To waste time or do nothing important.
Stop arsing about and help me with these dishes!
Often appears as...
- stop arsing about
- quit arsing about
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To behave in a frivolous, joking, or foolish manner.
We were just arsing about, not wanting to do our homework.
Often appears as...
- messing about
- joking about
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To waste time or do nothing important.
Stop arsing about and help me with these dishes!
Often appears as...
- stop arsing about
- quit arsing about
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To behave in a frivolous, joking, or foolish manner.
We were just arsing about, not wanting to do our homework.
Often appears as...
- messing about
- joking about
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3British Slang
Understand that 'arse about' is casual British slang not to be used in formal situations.
He's always arsing about with his mates instead of studying.
Pro Tip 2/3Mildly Vulgar
'Arse about' is mildly vulgar; some may find it offensive. Be cautious with your audience.
I can't watch this movie, let's arse about instead.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It's a metaphorical expression meaning to be unproductive, and does not involve a literal 'arse'.
You cannot just arse about all day and expect to pass the exams.
Pro Tip 1/3British Slang
Understand that 'arse about' is casual British slang not to be used in formal situations.
He's always arsing about with his mates instead of studying.
Pro Tip 2/3Mildly Vulgar
'Arse about' is mildly vulgar; some may find it offensive. Be cautious with your audience.
I can't watch this movie, let's arse about instead.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It's a metaphorical expression meaning to be unproductive, and does not involve a literal 'arse'.
You cannot just arse about all day and expect to pass the exams.
Pro Tip 1/3British Slang
Understand that 'arse about' is casual British slang not to be used in formal situations.
He's always arsing about with his mates instead of studying.
Pro Tip 2/3Mildly Vulgar
'Arse about' is mildly vulgar; some may find it offensive. Be cautious with your audience.
I can't watch this movie, let's arse about instead.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It's a metaphorical expression meaning to be unproductive, and does not involve a literal 'arse'.
You cannot just arse about all day and expect to pass the exams.
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