arse around

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

To behave in a clownish, irresponsible or inefficient manner.

Register: slang, vulgar

Examples

Quit arsing around and get to work!

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “arse around” mean?

To behave in a clownish, irresponsible or inefficient manner.

Is “arse around” formal or informal?

arse around is generally slang, vulgar.