Screw around

usgb
verb

To waste time doing unimportant things.

Stop screwing around and finish your homework!
Visual representation of "screw around" - To waste time doing unimportant things

Often appears as...

  • screwing around on the internet
  • screwing around instead of working

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "screw around"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Informal Situations

Use 'screw around' in casual conversations, not in formal or professional settings.

Illustration for Informal Situations
They won't hire you if they think you just screw around all day.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Connotation

'Screw around' often implies disapproval of someone not doing what they're supposed to do.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
My boss got mad at me for screwing around when I should have been working.
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Playful Tone

Sometimes, 'screw around' can be used in a playful, light-hearted way among friends.

Illustration for Playful Tone
We spent the whole afternoon screwing around at the arcade.
Visual representation of the word "Screw around"

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