1 C1 idiomatic slang
to waste time or act foolishly instead of doing what should be done
"We can't keep pissing around if we want to catch the train."
inseparable
piss around
C1 slang inseparable intransitive
to waste time or behave foolishly instead of doing something useful
In plain English
to fool around and not get things done
What does "piss around" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to move around while urinating
Actually means
to fool around and not get things done
Usage tip
Vulgar informal expression. Commoner in some varieties than others; many speakers prefer 'mess around'.
Words that pair with "piss around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
all morning at work online with equipment
How to conjugate "piss around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
piss around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pisses around
he/she/it
Past simple
pissed around
yesterday
Past participle
pissed around
have + pp
-ing form
pissing around
continuous
Hear "piss around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "piss around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "piss around"
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