1 B2 idiomatic informal
To waste time through disorganized or fussy behaviour instead of taking direct action.
"He spent half an hour faffing around trying to find the right cable."
inseparable
faff around
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To waste time in a disorganized, inefficient, or unnecessarily fussy way; essentially identical to 'faff about.'
In plain English
To waste time fussing and doing nothing useful.
What does "faff around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To engage in unproductive or unnecessary activities when something more important needs attention.
"Can you stop faffing around and help me carry these boxes?"
inseparable
Usage tip
Exclusively British English. Functionally identical to 'faff about.' Both forms are common in everyday British speech. Often used when someone is frustrated with another person's lack of progress or efficiency.
Words that pair with "faff around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
time all day stop about instead
How to conjugate "faff around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
faff around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
faffs around
he/she/it
Past simple
faffed around
yesterday
Past participle
faffed around
have + pp
-ing form
faffing around
continuous
Hear "faff around" in the wild
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