futz around
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To waste time frivolously or busy oneself with minor tasks; to experiment or tinker.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To mess or interfere with.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “futz around” mean?
To waste time frivolously or busy oneself with minor tasks; to experiment or tinker.
Is “futz around” formal or informal?
futz around is generally slang.