Faff around
verb
To waste time doing unimportant things instead of dealing with what needs to be done.
Stop faffing around and finish your homework!
Often appears as...
- faffing around doing nothing
- faff around with paperwork
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To act or move in an indecisive, confused, or needless manner; potter.
She was just faffing around in the kitchen, not really achieving anything.
Often appears as...
- faffing around indecisively
- faff around all day
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To waste time doing unimportant things instead of dealing with what needs to be done.
Stop faffing around and finish your homework!
Often appears as...
- faffing around doing nothing
- faff around with paperwork
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To act or move in an indecisive, confused, or needless manner; potter.
She was just faffing around in the kitchen, not really achieving anything.
Often appears as...
- faffing around indecisively
- faff around all day
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Time Wasting
Use 'faff around' when someone is wasting time instead of doing important tasks.
He spent hours faffing around before starting his assignment.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Context
'Faff around' is casual and best suited for informal conversations.
During the break, they faff around without worrying about work.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
The phrase has a slight negative tone, suggesting unproductiveness.
The manager hates when employees faff around on the job.
Pro Tip 1/3Time Wasting
Use 'faff around' when someone is wasting time instead of doing important tasks.
He spent hours faffing around before starting his assignment.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Context
'Faff around' is casual and best suited for informal conversations.
During the break, they faff around without worrying about work.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
The phrase has a slight negative tone, suggesting unproductiveness.
The manager hates when employees faff around on the job.
Pro Tip 1/3Time Wasting
Use 'faff around' when someone is wasting time instead of doing important tasks.
He spent hours faffing around before starting his assignment.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Context
'Faff around' is casual and best suited for informal conversations.
During the break, they faff around without worrying about work.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
The phrase has a slight negative tone, suggesting unproductiveness.
The manager hates when employees faff around on the job.
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