Top 15 Slang For Wasting Time – Meaning & Usage

Ever found yourself procrastinating and looking for new ways to avoid being productive? Look no further! We’ve scoured the depths of internet culture to bring you a list of the top slang for wasting time. From humorous expressions to relatable phrases, this compilation is guaranteed to entertain and resonate with anyone who’s ever indulged in a bit of time-wasting. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy discovering the quirky language of idleness.

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1. Twiddling thumbs

This phrase refers to the act of idly rotating or moving one’s thumbs while waiting or being bored. It implies a lack of productivity or engagement in any meaningful activity.

  • For example, “I sat in the waiting room, twiddling my thumbs for what felt like hours.”
  • A person might say, “I have nothing to do, so I’m just twiddling my thumbs.”
  • In a conversation about being unproductive, someone might comment, “Instead of working on my project, I found myself twiddling my thumbs all day.”

2. Vegging out

“Vegging out” is a slang term that means to relax or do nothing in particular. It implies a state of laziness or unproductivity, often while indulging in leisure activities.

  • For instance, “After a long week, I just want to veg out on the couch and watch some TV.”
  • A person might say, “I’m not in the mood to do anything productive today, just planning on vegging out.”
  • In a conversation about taking a break, someone might comment, “I deserve a day of vegging out after all the hard work I’ve done.”

3. Zoning out

This phrase describes the state of being mentally absent or daydreaming, often resulting in a lack of focus or attention. It suggests a temporary escape from reality or a disconnection from one’s surroundings.

  • For example, “During the meeting, I caught myself zoning out and had no idea what was being discussed.”
  • A person might say, “I tend to zone out when I’m tired or not interested in the conversation.”
  • In a conversation about being distracted, someone might comment, “I find it hard to concentrate and often end up zoning out.”

4. Loafing around

“Loafing around” refers to the act of being idle or doing nothing of importance. It implies a lack of motivation or purposeful activity, often associated with wasting time.

  • For instance, “Instead of studying, I spent the whole day loafing around.”
  • A person might say, “I feel guilty about loafing around when I have so much work to do.”
  • In a conversation about being unproductive, someone might comment, “I need to stop loafing around and start getting things done.”

5. Frittering away

This phrase means to waste or squander time on unimportant or trivial activities. It suggests a lack of focus or purpose, often resulting in a loss of productivity or valuable opportunities.

  • For example, “I frittered away the entire afternoon scrolling through social media.”
  • A person might say, “I need to stop frittering away my time and start working on my goals.”
  • In a conversation about time management, someone might comment, “I’m always frittering away my time instead of being productive.”

6. Faffing about

This term is often used to describe someone who is wasting time or being unproductive. It implies a lack of focus or purpose in one’s actions.

  • For example, “Stop faffing about and start working on your assignment.”
  • A person might say, “I spent the whole day faffing about instead of doing something productive.”
  • Another might complain, “I can’t stand it when people faff about instead of getting things done.”

7. Lazing around

This phrase refers to the act of being lazy or not doing anything productive. It suggests a lack of motivation or desire to engage in meaningful activities.

  • For instance, “I spent the entire weekend lazing around and watching TV.”
  • A person might say, “I can’t believe you’re still lazing around when there’s work to be done.”
  • Another might comment, “I enjoy lazing around on rainy days and reading a good book.”

8. Linger in

This expression implies staying in a place or engaging in an activity for longer than necessary or expected. It suggests a lack of urgency or efficiency in one’s actions.

  • For example, “I tend to linger in the shower and lose track of time.”
  • A person might say, “Don’t linger in the store too long, we have other errands to run.”
  • Another might complain, “I can’t believe you’re still lingering in bed when we have work to do.”

9. Wasting hours

This phrase describes the act of spending a considerable amount of time on activities that do not contribute to one’s goals or responsibilities. It suggests a lack of time management or prioritization.

  • For instance, “I wasted hours scrolling through social media instead of studying.”
  • A person might say, “I can’t believe I wasted hours on that video game.”
  • Another might comment, “I regret wasting hours on that pointless meeting.”

10. Fiddling around

This term refers to the act of occupying oneself with insignificant or unnecessary activities, often at the expense of more important tasks or responsibilities.

  • For example, “Stop fiddling around and start working on the project.”
  • A person might say, “I wasted the whole morning fiddling around with my phone.”
  • Another might complain, “I can’t stand it when people fiddle around instead of taking action.”

11. Dallying

Dallying refers to the act of wasting time or procrastinating without purpose. It implies a lack of urgency or productivity.

  • For example, “Stop dallying and start working on your assignment!”
  • A parent might scold their child, “Quit dallying and get ready for school.”
  • A friend might say, “Let’s stop dallying and start planning our trip.”

12. Dawdling

Dawdling refers to the act of wasting time by moving slowly or idly. It suggests a lack of urgency or efficiency in completing tasks.

  • For instance, “We can’t afford to dawdle if we want to finish the project on time.”
  • A teacher might reprimand a student, “Stop dawdling and get to work.”
  • A parent might say to their child, “Quit dawdling and get ready for bed.”

13. Linger around

Linger around refers to the act of wasting time by staying in a place longer than necessary. It implies a lack of purpose or productivity.

  • For example, “Don’t just linger around here, go and do something productive.”
  • A supervisor might say to an employee, “Stop lingering around and get back to work.”
  • A friend might urge another, “Let’s not linger around, we have things to do.”

14. Fiddle-faddling

Fiddle-faddling refers to the act of wasting time on trivial or unimportant tasks. It implies a lack of focus or prioritization.

  • For instance, “Stop fiddle-faddling and start working on what really matters.”
  • A teacher might scold a student, “Quit fiddle-faddling and pay attention.”
  • A manager might tell an employee, “We can’t afford any more fiddle-faddling, we need to meet our deadlines.”

15. Wasting time

Wasting time simply refers to the act of spending time in an unproductive or inefficient manner. It implies a lack of purpose or focus.

  • For example, “I need to stop wasting time and start being more productive.”
  • A parent might say to their child, “You’re wasting time, go and do something useful.”
  • A friend might advise another, “Don’t waste time on unnecessary things, focus on what’s important.”
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