bugger around
B2 informal inseparable both
In simple words
To do nothing useful, or to mess someone around.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To spend time aimlessly or unproductively.
"We spent the whole afternoon buggering around instead of packing for the trip."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To treat someone unfairly or keep them waiting without good reason.
"The insurance company has been buggering me around for weeks about my claim."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
British and Australian informal, mildly vulgar. Functionally identical to 'bugger about'. The transitive sense (buggering someone around) implies deliberate inconvenience.
Commonly used with
stop time someone office all day
Forms
Base
bugger around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
buggers around
he/she/it
Past simple
buggered around
yesterday
Past participle
buggered around
have + pp
-ing form
buggering around
continuous
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