1 B1 idiomatic informal
To behave in a noisy, silly, or rough playful manner, especially when one should be more serious.
"Stop horsing about and get your homework done before dinner."
horse about
B1 informal intransitive
To play in a boisterous, rough, or silly manner, often when one should be doing something more serious.
In plain English
Play around in a silly, rough, noisy way instead of being serious.
What does "horse about" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To behave like a horse — wildly and energetically.
Actually means
Play around in a silly, rough, noisy way instead of being serious.
Usage tip
Primarily British English. Used especially of children or young people engaging in rough play. Carries a mild sense of disapproval from an adult's perspective. 'Horse around' is the American equivalent.
Words that pair with "horse about"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
children classroom playground boys students kids
How to conjugate "horse about"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
horse about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
horses about
he/she/it
Past simple
horsed about
yesterday
Past participle
horsed about
have + pp
-ing form
horsing about
continuous
Hear "horse about" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "horse about" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "horse about"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
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