1 B1 idiomatic informal
To joke and be playful in a light-hearted way, without any serious intent.
"Relax — we were just kidding around. Nobody meant any harm."
inseparable
kid around
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To joke, tease, or behave in a playful and light-hearted way.
In plain English
To laugh and make jokes without being serious.
What does "kid around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To tease someone gently without the intention to hurt or deceive.
"Stop kidding around and tell me what really happened!"
inseparable
Usage tip
Always used in a harmless, positive context. Common in everyday American English. Often used to clarify that something said was not meant seriously ('I'm just kidding around'). Suitable for all ages.
Words that pair with "kid around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
joke laugh tease playful banter fun
How to conjugate "kid around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
kid around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
kids around
he/she/it
Past simple
kided around
yesterday
Past participle
kided around
have + pp
-ing form
kiding around
continuous
Hear "kid around" in the wild
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