Top 30 Slang For Not Working – Meaning & Usage

In today’s fast-paced world, finding creative ways to describe not working has become a trend of its own. Whether you’re looking for a catchy phrase to use with your friends or simply want to stay up-to-date with the latest slang, we’ve got you covered. Our team at Fluentslang has scoured the depths of the internet to bring you a list of the top slang for not working. From hilarious expressions to relatable phrases, get ready to chuckle and nod your head in agreement as we explore the colorful language of downtime. So sit back, relax, and prepare to add some new words to your vocabulary.

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1. Slacking off

This term refers to someone who is not putting in effort or actively avoiding their responsibilities. It can be used to describe someone who is being lazy or not working as they should be.

  • For example, “He’s been slacking off all day and hasn’t completed any of his tasks.”
  • In a conversation about work ethic, someone might say, “Don’t be a slacker and make sure you finish your work.”
  • A supervisor might address an employee by saying, “I’ve noticed you’ve been slacking off lately. Is there something going on?”

2. Chilling

This slang term refers to someone who is not working but instead taking time to relax or enjoy themselves. It can be used to describe someone who is taking a break or simply not engaged in any productive activity.

  • For instance, “I’m just chilling at home and watching some TV.”
  • In a conversation about weekend plans, someone might say, “I plan on chilling by the pool and soaking up the sun.”
  • A friend might ask, “What are you up to today?” and the response could be, “Just chilling, nothing exciting.”

3. Taking a break

This phrase refers to someone who is intentionally stepping away from their work or responsibilities for a short period of time. It can be used to describe someone who needs a moment to recharge or relax before continuing their tasks.

  • For example, “I’ve been working for hours, I need to take a break and clear my mind.”
  • In a conversation about productivity, someone might say, “It’s important to take breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout.”
  • A coworker might ask, “Are you taking a break? Mind if I join you?” and the response could be, “Sure, let’s take a break together.”

4. On vacation

This phrase indicates that someone is not working because they are on vacation. It can be used to describe someone who is taking time off from their job to relax, travel, or engage in leisure activities.

  • For instance, “I won’t be in the office next week, I’ll be on vacation.”
  • In a conversation about travel plans, someone might say, “I’m going on vacation to a tropical island.”
  • A friend might ask, “Where have you been? I haven’t seen you at work.” and the response could be, “I’ve been on vacation, enjoying some time off.”

5. Playing hooky

This slang term refers to someone who is intentionally avoiding school or work without proper authorization. It can be used to describe someone who is skipping their responsibilities for personal reasons.

  • For example, “He’s playing hooky today and going to the beach instead of attending class.”
  • In a conversation about truancy, someone might say, “Playing hooky can have consequences, such as disciplinary action.”
  • A parent might ask their child, “Are you playing hooky? You should be in school.” and the response could be, “No, I’m just not feeling well today.”

6. Being on a break

This phrase refers to taking a break or temporary hiatus from work or any other activity. It implies that the person is not actively engaged in their usual tasks or responsibilities.

  • For example, someone might say, “I’m on a break right now, so I won’t be able to help you with that.”
  • During a conversation about work-life balance, a person might mention, “It’s important to take breaks and recharge.”
  • A friend might ask, “Are you on a break from your job? How’s it going?”

7. Having a rest day

This phrase indicates that someone is taking a day off from work or any other activity to rest and rejuvenate. It implies that the person is intentionally not working on that particular day.

  • For instance, someone might say, “I’m having a rest day tomorrow, so I’ll just be lounging around.”
  • During a discussion about self-care, a person might mention, “I make sure to have rest days to take care of my mental and physical well-being.”
  • A person might ask their friend, “Are you planning to have a rest day this weekend?”

8. Being idle

This phrase describes a state of not being actively involved in any work or activity. It suggests that the person is not occupied or productive at the moment.

  • For example, someone might say, “I’ve been idle all day, just scrolling through social media.”
  • During a conversation about time management, a person might mention, “I try to avoid being idle for too long to maximize my productivity.”
  • A friend might ask, “What do you do when you’re feeling idle? Any hobbies or activities?”

9. Taking a breather

This phrase implies taking a short break or pause from work or any other activity to catch one’s breath and relax. It suggests the need to momentarily step away from the task at hand.

  • For instance, someone might say, “I’ve been working non-stop. I need to take a breather.”
  • During a conversation about stress management, a person might mention, “Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I take a breather to clear my mind.”
  • A colleague might ask, “Mind if I join you for a breather? I need to step away from my desk for a bit.”

10. Taking a siesta

This phrase refers to the practice of taking a short nap or rest during the day, typically after lunch. It is often associated with cultures that have a tradition of a midday break.

  • For example, someone might say, “I always take a siesta after lunch to recharge for the rest of the day.”
  • During a discussion about work-life balance, a person might mention, “In some countries, taking a siesta is a common practice to maintain productivity.”
  • A friend might ask, “Do you ever take a siesta? Does it help you feel more refreshed?”

11. Having a lazy day

This phrase refers to a day where someone chooses to relax and not engage in any work or productive activities. It implies a lack of motivation or desire to be productive.

  • For example, “I’m not doing anything today, just having a lazy day.”
  • Someone might say, “I had a lazy day yesterday, just binge-watched Netflix.”
  • In a conversation about weekend plans, a person might mention, “I’m planning on having a lazy day on Sunday, just staying in bed and reading.”

12. Chillin’

This slang term means to relax or take it easy. It can refer to both physical and mental relaxation, indicating a state of leisure and lack of work.

  • For instance, “I’m just chillin’ on the couch, watching TV.”
  • Someone might ask, “What are you up to?” and the response could be, “Nothing much, just chillin’.”
  • In a conversation about stress levels, a person might say, “I need a day off to just chill and recharge.”

13. On a break

This phrase means to take a break or pause from work or any activity. It suggests a temporary cessation of work or a momentary respite from responsibilities.

  • For example, “I’m on a break right now, just taking some time for myself.”
  • A person might say, “I need to go on a break, I’ve been working non-stop.”
  • In a discussion about work-life balance, someone might mention, “It’s important to take regular breaks to avoid burnout.”

14. Lazying around

This phrase describes the act of being lazy or not doing anything productive. It implies a lack of motivation or energy to engage in activities that require effort or work.

  • For instance, “I spent the whole day lazying around, not doing anything.”
  • Someone might say, “I feel like lazying around this weekend, just relaxing and doing nothing.”
  • In a conversation about productivity, a person might admit, “I’ve been lazying around lately, not getting much done.”

15. Not pulling one’s weight

This phrase refers to someone who is not contributing their fair share of effort or work. It implies that the person is not fulfilling their responsibilities or doing their part in a team or group setting.

  • For example, “John is not pulling his weight in the project, we need to talk to him.”
  • A person might say, “I feel like some team members are slacking off and not pulling their weight.”
  • In a discussion about group projects, someone might mention, “It’s frustrating when someone is not pulling their weight and we have to cover for them.”

16. Being on vacation

This phrase refers to being on a planned break or holiday from work. It implies that the person is not working and is enjoying some leisure time.

  • For example, “I won’t be available for the next week because I’ll be on vacation.”
  • A co-worker might ask, “How was your vacation? Did you do anything fun?”
  • Someone might say, “I need a break, I’ve been working non-stop. I can’t wait to be on vacation.”

17. Having a siesta

This term originated from Spanish culture, where it is common to take a short nap or rest period after lunch. It implies taking a break from work or daily activities.

  • For instance, “I’m feeling tired after lunch, I think I’ll have a siesta.”
  • A friend might ask, “Do you have time for a siesta? I could use a quick nap.”
  • Someone might complain, “I wish I could have a siesta, but I have too much work to do.”

18. Slowing down

This phrase suggests taking a break or reducing the amount of work being done. It implies a decrease in productivity or activity level.

  • For example, “I’ve been working too hard, I need to slow down and take a breather.”
  • A colleague might say, “I noticed you’ve been working late every day. You should consider slowing down.”
  • Someone might comment, “I’m feeling burned out, I think it’s time to slow down and recharge.”

19. Having a day of rest

This phrase refers to taking a specific day off from work to rest and relax. It implies a break from the usual routine and responsibilities.

  • For instance, “I’m so tired, I need to have a day of rest this weekend.”
  • A friend might suggest, “Why don’t you take a day of rest and do something you enjoy?”
  • Someone might plan, “I’m going to have a day of rest next week and catch up on my favorite TV shows.”

20. Taking some time off

This phrase suggests taking a period of time away from work. It implies a temporary absence from work for personal reasons or to relax and rejuvenate.

  • For example, “I’ve been working long hours lately, I think I need to take some time off.”
  • A co-worker might ask, “Are you planning on taking some time off for the holidays?”
  • Someone might decide, “I’m feeling stressed, I’m going to take some time off and go on a short vacation.”

21. Lazing around

This phrase refers to the act of doing nothing and being lazy. It implies that the person is not engaged in any work or productive activities.

  • For example, “I spent the entire weekend lazing around and watching TV.”
  • Someone might say, “I’m not in the mood to do anything today, so I’ll just laze around.”
  • A friend might ask, “What are your plans for the weekend?” and you reply, “I’m just going to laze around and relax.”

22. Taking a vacation day

This phrase means to use one of your allotted vacation days to take time off from work. It implies that you are not working on that particular day and are instead enjoying a break or vacation.

  • For instance, “I’m taking a vacation day tomorrow to go on a road trip.”
  • An employee might request, “Can I take a vacation day next week for a family event?”
  • A coworker might say, “I need to use one of my vacation days soon to take a break.”

23. Taking a mental health day

This phrase refers to taking a day off from work to focus on one’s mental health and well-being. It implies that the person is not feeling mentally well and needs a break to recharge and take care of themselves.

  • For example, “I’m feeling overwhelmed, so I’m taking a mental health day tomorrow.”
  • A person might explain, “I’ve been stressed lately, so I’m planning on taking a mental health day to relax and recharge.”
  • A friend might ask, “Are you feeling okay? Maybe you should consider taking a mental health day.”

24. Skipping out

This phrase means to leave a place or situation without permission or without fulfilling obligations or responsibilities. It implies that the person is avoiding or shirking their duties or commitments.

  • For instance, “He skipped out of work early without telling anyone.”
  • A friend might say, “I can’t believe she skipped out on paying her share of the bill.”
  • Someone might warn, “Don’t skip out on your responsibilities, it will only create more problems.”

25. Pulling a sickie

This phrase refers to faking an illness or pretending to be sick in order to take a day off from work. It implies that the person is not genuinely ill but is using the excuse of being sick to avoid work.

  • For example, “He called in sick today, but I think he’s just pulling a sickie.”
  • A coworker might suspect, “I don’t think she’s actually sick, I think she’s pulling a sickie.”
  • Someone might joke, “I wish I could just pull a sickie whenever I wanted a day off.”

26. Taking a sick day

This refers to taking a day off from work due to illness or not feeling well. It is a common phrase used to indicate that someone is not working because of their health.

  • For example, “I woke up with a fever and had to take a sick day.”
  • A coworker might say, “I’m feeling really under the weather, so I’ll be taking a sick day tomorrow.”
  • A manager might ask, “Do you have any sick days left for the year?”

27. Taking a time-out

This phrase is used to indicate that someone is taking a short break or pause from their work. It can refer to stepping away from a task or taking a moment to relax and recharge.

  • For instance, “I’ve been working for hours straight, I need to take a time-out.”
  • A colleague might say, “I’m feeling overwhelmed, I’m going to take a time-out and grab a coffee.”
  • During a meeting, someone might suggest, “Let’s take a quick time-out to stretch our legs.”

28. Having a downtime

This phrase refers to a period of time when someone is not working or actively engaged in their usual tasks. It can be a planned break or a time when there is no work to be done.

  • For example, “I have some downtime this afternoon, so I’ll catch up on my reading.”
  • A coworker might say, “I finished all my tasks for the day, so I’m having some downtime.”
  • A manager might ask, “Is there anything productive you can do during your downtime?”

29. Taking a leave of absence

This phrase indicates that someone is taking an extended period of time away from work, usually for personal or health reasons. It implies that the person will not be available or working during this time.

  • For instance, “I’m taking a leave of absence to take care of a family matter.”
  • An employee might say, “I need to take a leave of absence for medical reasons.”
  • A supervisor might discuss, “We have a policy for taking a leave of absence, please review it.”

30. Shirking

This term refers to the act of avoiding or neglecting one’s work or responsibilities. It implies that someone is intentionally not working when they should be.

  • For example, “He’s always shirking his duties and leaving the work for others.”
  • A coworker might complain, “She’s constantly shirking her responsibilities and it’s affecting the team.”
  • A manager might address the issue by saying, “We won’t tolerate any shirking of duties in this department.”
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