1 B2 idiomatic informal
To waste time by doing things in a disorganized or fussy way instead of getting on with what needs to be done.
"Stop faffing about and just pack your bag — we leave in ten minutes."
inseparable
faff about
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To waste time by doing things in a disorganized, ineffective, or unnecessarily fussy way.
In plain English
To waste time doing lots of small, pointless things instead of doing what you should be doing.
What does "faff about" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To spend time on trivial or unnecessary tasks when something more important needs attention.
"We spent the whole morning faffing about with the seating plan instead of sorting out the catering."
inseparable
Usage tip
Distinctly British English; rarely understood in American English. Often used with impatience or mild irritation. Can describe someone who is procrastinating, fussing over unimportant details, or being inefficient. Typically used in informal speech.
Words that pair with "faff about"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
time all day stop around instead
How to conjugate "faff about"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
faff about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
faffs about
he/she/it
Past simple
faffed about
yesterday
Past participle
faffed about
have + pp
-ing form
faffing about
continuous
Hear "faff about" in the wild
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