Top 40 Slang For Spend Time – Meaning & Usage

Looking for new ways to express how you spend your time? Look no further! We’ve gathered a list of the coolest slang terms that people use to talk about how they spend their days. From chilling to grinding, this list has got you covered with all the trendy ways to describe how you’re passing the time. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to upgrade your vocabulary with these fun and hip phrases!

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1. Chill

To relax or take it easy, often by doing something enjoyable or low-key.

For example, “Let’s just chill and watch a movie tonight.”
A friend might ask, “Wanna chill at my place after work?”
Someone might say, “I’m just gonna chill at home this weekend and catch up on some reading.”

2. Kick it

To spend time with someone or hang out in a casual and relaxed manner.

For instance, “Let’s kick it at the park tomorrow.”
A friend might say, “I haven’t seen you in a while. We should kick it sometime.”
Someone might ask, “What are you up to tonight? Wanna kick it?”

3. Hang out

To spend time with someone in a casual and relaxed manner, often without a specific plan or activity in mind.

For example, “Let’s hang out at the mall this afternoon.”
A friend might say, “I’m free this weekend. Want to hang out?”
Someone might suggest, “We should hang out more often. It’s always fun.”

4. Veg out

To relax and do nothing, often by lounging around or engaging in mindless activities.

For instance, “I’m just gonna veg out on the couch and watch TV all day.”
A person might say, “After a long week, I like to veg out and recharge.”
Someone might suggest, “Let’s veg out and play video games tonight.”

5. Netflix and chill

Originally used as a euphemism for casual sexual activity, “Netflix and chill” has evolved to mean simply watching Netflix and relaxing together.

For example, “We’re just gonna Netflix and chill tonight.”
A friend might ask, “Wanna come over for some Netflix and chill?”
Someone might say, “I’m in the mood for a lazy night. Let’s Netflix and chill.”

6. Waste time

This phrase is used to describe spending time in a way that is considered unproductive or not useful.

For example, “I wasted time watching TV instead of studying for my exam.”
A person might say, “Stop wasting time and start working on your project.”
Another might complain, “I feel like I’m always wasting time on social media.”

7. Kill time

This phrase means to do something to occupy oneself and make the time go by, especially when waiting for something.

For instance, “I played games on my phone to kill time while waiting for my flight.”
A person might say, “Let’s grab a coffee to kill some time before the movie starts.”
Another might suggest, “We can kill time by going for a walk in the park.”

8. Laze around

This phrase is used to describe spending time in a lazy or idle manner, often by lounging or resting without any particular purpose or activity.

For example, “I just want to laze around and do nothing on my day off.”
A person might say, “I plan to laze around the house and read a book this weekend.”
Another might comment, “Sometimes it’s nice to just laze around and enjoy some peace and quiet.”

9. Burn daylight

This phrase is used to express the idea of wasting valuable time or daylight hours when there are important or productive things that could be done.

For instance, “Don’t burn daylight sleeping in. Get up and start your day.”
A person might say, “We shouldn’t burn daylight arguing about trivial matters.”
Another might advise, “Make the most of your time and don’t burn daylight on unnecessary tasks.”

10. Shoot the breeze

This phrase means to engage in relaxed and informal conversation, often about random or unimportant topics.

For example, “Let’s grab a coffee and shoot the breeze for a while.”
A person might say, “We sat on the porch and shot the breeze about our favorite movies.”
Another might comment, “Sometimes it’s nice to just hang out with friends and shoot the breeze.”

11. Pass the time

This phrase is used when someone wants to occupy themselves with an activity to make time pass more quickly.

For example, “I like to pass the time on long flights by watching movies.”
If someone is waiting for an appointment, they might say, “I brought a book to pass the time.”
When stuck in traffic, a person might pass the time by listening to a podcast.

12. Loaf around

This phrase is used when someone wants to convey that they are spending time in a relaxed and unproductive manner.

For instance, “I’m just going to loaf around the house this weekend.”
On a day off from work, someone might say, “I plan to loaf around and do nothing.”
If someone is not in the mood to be productive, they might say, “I’m just going to loaf around all day.”

13. Hang loose

This phrase is used to encourage someone to relax and not take things too seriously.

For example, “Just hang loose and enjoy the party.”
If someone is feeling stressed, a friend might say, “Hang loose, everything will work out.”
When someone is being too uptight, they might be told, “You need to hang loose and have some fun.”

14. Zone out

This phrase is used when someone wants to express that they are mentally disconnecting from their surroundings or thoughts.

For instance, “I tend to zone out during long meetings.”
If someone is not paying attention in class, a teacher might say, “Stop zoning out and focus.”
When someone is lost in thought, they might be asked, “Are you zoning out again?”

15. Take it easy

This phrase is used to encourage someone to relax and not exert too much effort.

For example, “After a long day, I just want to take it easy.”
If someone is rushing, they might be told, “Take it easy, there’s no need to hurry.”
When someone is stressed, a friend might say, “Just take it easy and unwind.”

16. Lounge around

This slang phrase refers to spending time in a relaxed and leisurely manner, often without any specific purpose or activity. It implies a laid-back and casual approach to passing time.

For example, “I decided to just lounge around the house all day and watch movies.”
A friend might ask, “What are you doing this weekend?” and you could respond, “Oh, just planning to lounge around and read a book.”
When someone asks how you spent your vacation, you could say, “I mostly lounged around by the pool and enjoyed the sunshine.”

17. Spend quality time

This slang phrase emphasizes the importance of spending time in a meaningful and fulfilling way, typically with loved ones or engaging in activities that bring joy and satisfaction.

For instance, “I try to spend quality time with my family every weekend, doing things we all enjoy.”
A parent might say, “It’s important to spend quality time with your children to build strong relationships.”
When discussing hobbies, someone might say, “I love spending quality time working on my art projects.”

18. Dilly-dally

This slang term refers to the act of wasting time or delaying action by engaging in unproductive or unnecessary activities. It implies a lack of focus or urgency in completing tasks.

For example, “Stop dilly-dallying and get to work!”
A friend might say, “We need to leave soon, so please don’t dilly-dally.”
When discussing productivity, someone might advise, “Avoid dilly-dallying and stay focused on your goals.”

19. Put in time

This slang phrase means to dedicate or invest time and effort into something, often with the expectation of achieving a desired outcome or result.

For instance, “If you want to improve your skills, you need to put in time practicing.”
A coach might say, “To succeed in sports, you have to put in the time and train regularly.”
When discussing career advancement, someone might advise, “If you want to climb the corporate ladder, you have to put in the time and effort.”

20. Be a couch potato

This slang phrase describes a person who spends a significant amount of time sitting or lying on a couch, typically watching television and being inactive. It implies a lack of physical activity or motivation.

For example, “After a long day at work, I just want to be a couch potato and binge-watch my favorite shows.”
A friend might say, “Don’t be a couch potato all weekend, let’s go out and do something active.”
When discussing healthy habits, someone might warn, “Being a couch potato for too long can negatively impact your physical and mental well-being.”

21. Have a blast

To have a great time or enjoy oneself immensely.

For example, “We went to the amusement park and had a blast on all the roller coasters.”
A person might say, “I’m going to the beach this weekend. I can’t wait to have a blast.”
Another might exclaim, “The party last night was amazing. We had such a blast dancing and laughing all night long.”

22. Hang back

To remain in a place or refrain from participating in an activity.

For instance, in a group outing, one might say, “I’m going to hang back and take some photos while you all go ahead.”
In a discussion about volunteering, someone might mention, “I decided to hang back and help with the cleanup instead of joining the main event.”
A person might say, “I’m feeling tired today, so I think I’ll hang back and relax at home.”

23. Take a breather

To pause and rest for a short period of time.

For example, “After running for an hour, I had to take a breather and catch my breath.”
In a busy workday, someone might say, “I need to take a breather and clear my mind before tackling the next task.”
A person might suggest, “Let’s take a breather and grab a coffee before continuing the hike.”

24. Burn time

To spend time doing something unproductive or without purpose.

For instance, “I burned time scrolling through social media instead of working on my project.”
In a conversation about procrastination, someone might admit, “I tend to burn time watching TV instead of doing chores.”
A person might say, “I don’t want to burn time waiting for the bus, so I’ll walk instead.”

25. Idle away

To spend time in a lazy or unproductive manner.

For example, “I idled away the afternoon by napping and reading a book.”
In a discussion about productivity, someone might mention, “I find it easy to idle away the day if I don’t have a clear plan.”
A person might say, “Instead of idling away, I try to use my free time for hobbies or learning new skills.”

26. Putter around

To putter around means to spend time doing small, unimportant tasks or engaging in activities without a specific purpose.

For example, “I spent the whole afternoon puttering around the house, organizing my bookshelf and rearranging furniture.”
A person might say, “I usually putter around in the garden on weekends, tending to my plants and enjoying the fresh air.”
Another might comment, “When I have free time, I like to putter around in my workshop, fixing things and working on DIY projects.”

27. Fritter away

To fritter away means to spend time or money on things that are not important or valuable.

For instance, “I frittered away the whole morning scrolling through social media instead of working.”
A person might say, “I often fritter away my paycheck on unnecessary purchases, and then regret it later.”
Another might comment, “Instead of studying for my exam, I ended up frittering away the entire day watching TV shows.”

28. Bum around

To bum around means to spend time idly or without purpose, often in a lazy or relaxed manner.

For example, “I don’t have any plans for the weekend, so I’ll just bum around the house.”
A person might say, “During summer break, I enjoy bumming around at the beach, soaking up the sun.”
Another might comment, “Sometimes it’s nice to just bum around in pajamas all day and watch movies.”

29. Twiddle thumbs

To twiddle thumbs means to do nothing or wait impatiently, often out of boredom or frustration.

For instance, “I had to twiddle my thumbs for hours at the airport because my flight was delayed.”
A person might say, “Instead of twiddling my thumbs while waiting for the bus, I prefer to read a book or listen to music.”
Another might comment, “I hate twiddling my thumbs during meetings. I always bring a notebook to jot down ideas and stay engaged.”

30. Lollygag

To lollygag means to spend time in a relaxed or aimless manner, often lingering or dawdling.

For example, “Instead of working on my project, I spent the afternoon lollygagging in the park.”
A person might say, “I enjoy lollygagging at the coffee shop, sipping my drink and people-watching.”
Another might comment, “My friends and I often lollygag at the mall, browsing stores and trying on clothes without buying anything.”

31. Tarry

To stay or wait in a place longer than necessary or intended. It implies a sense of reluctance to leave.

For example, “I decided to tarry a bit longer at the party to avoid rush hour traffic.”
A person might say, “I always tarry at the park to enjoy the sunset.”
In a conversation about travel, someone might mention, “I love to tarry in small towns and explore their hidden gems.”

32. Linger

To stay in a place or continue to exist, often beyond the expected or desired time. It suggests a sense of hesitation or reluctance to leave.

For instance, “The aroma of freshly baked bread made me linger in the bakery.”
A person might say, “I always linger at the beach to watch the waves.”
In a discussion about memories, someone might mention, “Certain moments from my childhood still linger in my mind.”

33. Loll

To sit, lie, or stand in a lazy or relaxed manner. It implies a lack of energy or motivation to do anything else.

For example, “After a long day at work, I like to loll on the couch and watch TV.”
A person might say, “We spent the entire weekend lolling by the pool.”
In a conversation about vacations, someone might mention, “I plan to loll on the beach and do nothing during my trip.”

34. Kick back

To take it easy and relax, often after a period of hard work or stress. It suggests a desire to enjoy leisure time and do nothing productive.

For instance, “After finishing my project, I decided to kick back and watch a movie.”
A person might say, “Let’s kick back and have a few drinks at the bar.”
In a discussion about weekends, someone might mention, “I love to kick back and read a book on Sundays.”

35. Dally

To spend time aimlessly or without purpose. It implies a lack of urgency or seriousness in one’s actions.

For example, “I tend to dally in the mornings and end up rushing to work.”
A person might say, “Stop dallying and start working on your assignment.”
In a conversation about productivity, someone might mention, “I need to stop dallying and focus on my goals.”

36. Putter

This term refers to spending time on activities that are not particularly productive or purposeful. It often implies a relaxed and unhurried manner of spending time.

For example, on a lazy Sunday afternoon, someone might say, “I’m just going to putter around the house and see what needs fixing.”
A retiree might enjoy puttering in their garden, tending to plants and enjoying the outdoors.
When someone is unsure of what to do, they might say, “I’ll just putter around until I figure it out.”

37. Tinker

Tinkering refers to spending time working on a project or activity, often in a hands-on and experimental way. It implies a sense of curiosity and enjoyment in the process rather than focusing on the end result.

For instance, someone might say, “I like to tinker with old electronics and see if I can fix them.”
A hobbyist might spend hours tinkering with model trains, adjusting tracks and adding details.
When trying to solve a problem, someone might say, “Let me tinker with it and see if I can come up with a solution.”

38. Putz around

This phrase is similar to “putter,” indicating spending time on activities that are not particularly productive or purposeful. It often conveys a sense of idleness or wasting time in a lighthearted manner.

For example, on a rainy day, someone might say, “I’ll just putz around the house and find something to do.”
When someone is avoiding work or chores, they might say, “I’ve been putzing around all morning instead of doing what I should.”
A group of friends might plan to putz around the city, exploring different neighborhoods and trying new cafes.

39. Putter about

Similar to “putter” and “putz around,” this phrase refers to spending time in a relaxed and unhurried manner. It implies a lack of urgency or purpose in one’s actions.

For instance, someone might say, “I’ll just putter about the garden and enjoy the sunshine.”
When someone is uncertain of what to do, they might say, “I’ll just putter about until inspiration strikes.”
On a lazy weekend, a person might putter about the house, tidying up here and there without a specific plan.

40. Idle away time

This phrase emphasizes the unproductive nature of spending time without purpose. It suggests wasting time or engaging in activities that do not contribute to one’s goals or responsibilities.

For example, someone might say, “I idled away the afternoon watching TV instead of working on my project.”
When someone is procrastinating, they might say, “I’ve been idling away my time instead of tackling my to-do list.”
On a slow day at work, a person might idle away time by browsing the internet or chatting with colleagues.