1 C1 idiomatic slang
To waste time or behave in an irresponsible, pointless way.
"Stop crapping around and get the report finished."
inseparable
crap around
C1 slang inseparable intransitive
To waste time, behave irresponsibly, or treat someone or something carelessly — used as a ruder alternative to 'mess around'.
In plain English
To waste time doing nothing useful, or to treat people badly.
What does "crap around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic slang
To treat someone or something without proper seriousness or respect.
"Don't crap around with the clients — they expect professionalism."
inseparable
Usage tip
Considered rude/vulgar. Best avoided in formal or professional settings. More common in North American informal speech. Expresses frustration.
Words that pair with "crap around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
stop quit time boss deadline
How to conjugate "crap around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
crap around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
craps around
he/she/it
Past simple
craped around
yesterday
Past participle
craped around
have + pp
-ing form
craping around
continuous
Hear "crap around" in the wild
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Other ways to say "crap around"
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