1 B2 idiomatic informal
To behave in an aimless or time-wasting way.
"We can't keep fannying around — the deadline is tomorrow morning."
fanny around
B2 informal intransitive
To waste time or behave in a silly, disorganised way without getting anything done. (British English, mildly vulgar)
In plain English
To not do what you're supposed to do and just mess around instead.
What does "fanny around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To fiddle with something ineffectively or without a clear purpose.
"She was just fannying around with the spreadsheet rather than actually fixing the formula."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Same as 'fanny about' — moving aimlessly.
Actually means
To not do what you're supposed to do and just mess around instead.
Usage tip
Virtually identical to 'fanny about.' British English only. Expresses impatience or frustration. Use with caution in formal or professional settings.
Words that pair with "fanny around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
stop all day instead time work
How to conjugate "fanny around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fanny around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fannies around
he/she/it
Past simple
fannied around
yesterday
Past participle
fannied around
have + pp
-ing form
fannying around
continuous
Hear "fanny around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "fanny around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "fanny 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.