1 C1 idiomatic slang
(Vulgar, British) To spend time doing nothing serious or to behave foolishly instead of being productive.
"We can't afford to balls around any longer — the deadline is tomorrow."
inseparable
balls around
C1 slang inseparable intransitive
(British, vulgar slang) To behave irresponsibly, waste time, or fail to take things seriously.
In plain English
To waste time and not do anything useful, or to be silly when you should be working.
What does "balls around" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Vulgar British slang, interchangeable with 'balls about.' Avoid in formal or professional contexts. Expresses impatience or frustration.
Words that pair with "balls around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
day office time work deadline project
How to conjugate "balls around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
balls around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
ballses around
he/she/it
Past simple
ballsed around
yesterday
Past participle
ballsed around
have + pp
-ing form
ballsing around
continuous
Hear "balls around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "balls around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "balls around"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.