hell around

C1 informal inseparable intransitive

In simple words

To act in a wild, crazy, or bad way — partying too hard or causing trouble.

Literal meaning: To move around like hell (as if in chaos or with devilish energy).

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic informal

rare

To behave in a wild, reckless, or morally questionable way, especially by drinking, partying, or causing trouble.

"He spent his twenties helling around the city and only settled down when he turned thirty."

Grammar: inseparable

Usage notes

Dated informal expression, more common in older American English. Carries a slightly disapproving moral tone. Rarely used by younger speakers today.

town night weekend bars drinking

Base

hell around

I/you/we/they

3rd person

hells around

he/she/it

Past simple

helled around

yesterday

Past participle

helled around

have + pp

-ing form

helling around

continuous

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