1 B2 idiomatic slang
To waste time in an aimless or silly manner instead of doing what is needed.
"Stop farting about and get your revision done — the exam is on Monday!"
fart about
B2 slang intransitive
To waste time behaving in a silly or unproductive way. (British English, vulgar informal)
In plain English
To waste time and not do anything useful. A ruder way of saying 'mess about.'
What does "fart about" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic slang
To treat something or someone without the necessary seriousness.
"The committee was just farting about with the proposal instead of making a real decision."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Fart' (to expel intestinal gas) combined with 'about' — implying the activity is as useful and dignified as passing gas.
Actually means
To waste time and not do anything useful. A ruder way of saying 'mess about.'
Usage tip
British English. Considered rude due to the word 'fart.' Used to express strong frustration or impatience. Not appropriate in formal settings. Equivalent to 'fart around.'
Words that pair with "fart about"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
stop time all day instead of working enough
How to conjugate "fart about"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fart about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
farts about
he/she/it
Past simple
farted about
yesterday
Past participle
farted about
have + pp
-ing form
farting about
continuous
Hear "fart about" in the wild
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Other ways to say "fart about"
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