1 C1 idiomatic slang
(Vulgar, British) To waste time doing nothing useful or to behave in a silly, irresponsible way.
"Stop balling about and finish the report before the deadline."
inseparable
balls about
C1 slang inseparable intransitive
(British, vulgar slang) To waste time or behave in a foolish, unproductive manner.
In plain English
To waste time and not do anything useful, or to act in a silly way.
What does "balls about" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Vulgar British slang. Not appropriate in formal or professional settings. Interchangeable with 'balls around.' Used to express frustration with someone's lack of seriousness.
Words that pair with "balls about"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
time work office day whole morning instead of
How to conjugate "balls about"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
balls about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
ballses about
he/she/it
Past simple
ballsed about
yesterday
Past participle
ballsed about
have + pp
-ing form
ballsing about
continuous
Hear "balls about" in the wild
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Other ways to say "balls about"
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