1 B2 idiomatic slang
To spend time doing nothing useful or behaving in a silly way.
"We've been farting around for an hour — can we just pick a restaurant?"
fart around
B2 slang intransitive
To waste time or behave in an unproductive, silly way. (Vulgar informal, mainly British)
In plain English
To mess around and not get anything done. Quite a rude way to say it.
What does "fart around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic slang
To handle something carelessly or without appropriate effort.
"Don't fart around with the settings — just follow the instructions."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Same as 'fart about' — the image is of performing an undignified, pointless act.
Actually means
To mess around and not get anything done. Quite a rude way to say it.
Usage tip
Used to express irritation or exasperation. Slightly more recognised than 'fart about' in non-British contexts. Avoid in formal or professional situations.
Words that pair with "fart around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
stop time all day quit work
How to conjugate "fart around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fart around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
farts around
he/she/it
Past simple
farted around
yesterday
Past participle
farted around
have + pp
-ing form
farting around
continuous
Hear "fart around" in the wild
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Other ways to say "fart around"
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