English · Phrasal verb Attested 18+

mess around

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

Sense 1

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Làm việc một cách vô ích

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Where it’s used: Used American English

The kids sat there messing around with leaves and blades of grass because they were bored.

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).

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

To joke, kid, or play.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

đùa giỡn, trêu chọc

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Sources & notes

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

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

To have a sexual relationship, especially one which is non-commital.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

có quan hệ tình dục không gắn bó

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Sources & notes

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

What does “mess around” mean?

To fiddle idly.

Is “mess around” formal or informal?

mess around is generally informal.

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