1 B2 idiomatic informal
To spend time aimlessly or unproductively.
"We spent the whole afternoon buggering around instead of packing for the trip."
inseparable
bugger around
B2 informal inseparable transitive/intransitive
To waste time or treat someone inconsiderately (British/Australian, vulgar).
In plain English
To do nothing useful, or to mess someone around.
What does "bugger around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Usage tip
British and Australian informal, mildly vulgar. Functionally identical to 'bugger about'. The transitive sense (buggering someone around) implies deliberate inconvenience.
Words that pair with "bugger around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
stop time someone office all day
How to conjugate "bugger around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "bugger around" in the wild
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