1 B2 idiomatic informal
To behave in a foolish or unproductive way, wasting time.
"The boys were pratting around in the back of the classroom instead of listening to the teacher."
inseparable
prat around
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
British informal: to act in a foolish, silly, or unproductive way.
In plain English
To do silly things and waste time instead of being sensible.
What does "prat around" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
The American English parallel would be 'horse around' or 'fool around'. 'Prat around' and 'prat about' are interchangeable. Both carry mild contempt from the speaker. Primarily British. Rarely written; mostly spoken.
Words that pair with "prat around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
stop time fool friends class
How to conjugate "prat around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
prat around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
prats around
he/she/it
Past simple
prated around
yesterday
Past participle
prated around
have + pp
-ing form
prating around
continuous
Hear "prat around" in the wild
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