Top 40 Slang For Wasting Time – Meaning & Usage

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. But sometimes, we all need a little break to unwind and waste some time. Whether it’s scrolling through social media, binge-watching TV shows, or getting lost in the depths of the internet, we all have our go-to methods for procrastination.

At Fluentslang, we understand the importance of finding ways to relax and take a breather. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top slang for wasting time. From “Netflix and chill” to “procrastination station,” we’ve got you covered with the latest and greatest phrases to describe those moments when you just want to kick back and do absolutely nothing. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of wasting time together!

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1. Procrastinate

To procrastinate means to delay or postpone tasks that need to be done. It often involves avoiding important or difficult tasks in favor of more enjoyable or easier activities.

For example, “I tend to procrastinate on studying for exams by watching TV.”
Someone might say, “I always end up procrastinating when it comes to doing my taxes.”
Another might admit, “I know I need to start working on my project, but I can’t help but procrastinate.”

2. Slack off

To slack off means to avoid work or responsibilities, often by doing unproductive or leisure activities instead. It implies a lack of effort or motivation to complete tasks.

For instance, “I like to slack off at work by browsing social media.”
A student might say, “I tend to slack off when it comes to studying for subjects I don’t enjoy.”
Someone might admit, “I sometimes slack off on household chores and just relax instead.”

3. Kill time

To kill time means to pass time without purpose or productivity. It involves engaging in activities that don’t contribute to any specific goal or outcome.

For example, “I like to kill time by playing video games when I have nothing else to do.”
Someone might say, “I often kill time by scrolling through social media during my commute.”
Another might admit, “I find myself killing time by watching random YouTube videos.”

4. Waste away

To waste away means to spend time unproductively or without achieving anything meaningful. It implies a sense of loss or squandering of time.

For instance, “I feel like I’m wasting away when I spend hours mindlessly browsing the internet.”
Someone might say, “I regret wasting away my weekends instead of pursuing my hobbies.”
Another might admit, “I often waste away my evenings by watching TV instead of doing something productive.”

5. Veg out

To veg out means to relax and do nothing, often in a passive or unproductive manner. It implies a state of idleness or laziness.

For example, “I just want to veg out on the couch and watch movies all day.”
Someone might say, “After a long day at work, I like to veg out and do absolutely nothing.”
Another might admit, “Sometimes I feel guilty for vegging out instead of being more productive.”

6. Dilly-dally

This phrase is used to describe someone who is spending time in a leisurely or aimless manner instead of being productive.

For example, “Stop dilly-dallying and get to work!”
A parent might say to their child, “Quit dilly-dallying and get ready for school.”
In a meeting, a coworker might comment, “Let’s not dilly-dally, we have a lot to cover.”

7. Lollygag

This term refers to the act of idling or wasting time in a lazy or carefree manner.

8. Piddle around

This phrase is used to describe someone who is wasting time on trivial or unimportant tasks.

For example, “I need to stop piddling around and start studying for my exam.”
A person might say to their friend, “Instead of piddling around on your phone, let’s go for a walk.”
In a group project, a team member might complain, “Some people need to stop piddling around and actually contribute.”

9. Loaf around

This term is used to describe someone who is idling or wasting time by doing nothing productive.

For instance, “You’ve been loafing around all day, go do something useful!”
A parent might scold their child, “Stop loafing around and help with the chores.”
In a college dorm, a roommate might say, “I can’t stand it when you just loaf around all weekend.”

10. Twiddle thumbs

This phrase refers to the action of moving one’s thumbs around each other when bored or waiting for something.

For example, “I’m just twiddling my thumbs until the meeting starts.”
A person might say to their friend, “Instead of twiddling your thumbs, why don’t you help me clean up?”
In a waiting room, someone might comment, “I’ve been twiddling my thumbs for hours, when will they call my name?”

11. Fritter away

To spend time or money on trivial or unimportant things, often without realizing it. The phrase suggests that time or resources are being wasted in small, inconsequential amounts.

For example, “He frittered away his afternoon scrolling through social media.”
A parent might scold their child, “Stop frittering away your allowance on useless toys.”
In a conversation about productivity, someone might say, “I need to stop frittering away my time and focus on my work.”

12. Lounge around

To spend time in a relaxed and leisurely manner, often without any particular purpose or activity. The phrase implies a lack of productivity or purposefulness in one’s actions.

For instance, “I just want to lounge around and watch TV all day.”
When discussing weekend plans, someone might say, “I’m just going to lounge around the house and do nothing.”
A friend might invite you to hang out and say, “Let’s just lounge around the park and enjoy the nice weather.”

13. Hang out

To spend time with someone in a casual and relaxed manner, often without a specific plan or purpose. The phrase suggests a desire for socializing or leisurely activities.

For example, “Let’s hang out at the coffee shop and catch up.”
When making plans with friends, someone might say, “We should hang out this weekend and do something fun.”
A teenager might tell their parents, “I’m just going to hang out with my friends at the mall.”

14. Goof off

To engage in idle or unproductive activities, often as a way to avoid work or responsibilities. The phrase implies a lack of seriousness or focus in one’s actions.

For instance, “I can’t afford to goof off right now; I have a deadline to meet.”
When discussing productivity at work, someone might say, “We need to stop goofing off and get things done.”
A teacher might reprimand their students, “No more goofing off in class. It’s time to start the lesson.”

15. Daydream

To indulge in pleasant thoughts or fantasies, often about the future or an idealized scenario. Daydreaming typically involves being mentally absorbed in one’s thoughts and can be seen as a form of escapism or a way to pass the time.

For example, “I often daydream about traveling the world and experiencing new cultures.”
When reminiscing about childhood, someone might say, “I used to daydream about being a superhero.”
A person might confess, “Sometimes I catch myself daydreaming during boring meetings.”

16. Zone out

To “zone out” means to mentally disengage from one’s surroundings or current task, often resulting in a loss of focus or daydreaming.

For example, during a boring lecture, a student might zone out and start thinking about something else.
After a long day at work, someone might zone out in front of the TV, not really paying attention to what’s on.
During a meeting, a person might zone out and start doodling instead of actively participating.

17. Wile away

To “wile away” means to spend time in a leisurely or unproductive manner, often by engaging in activities that are not particularly important or meaningful.

18. Putter around

To “putter around” means to engage in aimless or unproductive activity, often by moving about or doing small tasks without a clear purpose or goal.

For example, on a day off, one might putter around the house, doing minor chores or organizing without any specific plan.
Instead of starting a big project, a person might putter around their workspace, rearranging supplies or tidying up.
When feeling restless, someone might putter around the garden, tending to plants or rearranging flower pots.

19. Laze around

To “laze around” means to relax and do nothing, often by lounging or reclining in a leisurely manner.

For instance, on a vacation, one might laze around by the pool, soaking up the sun and enjoying a good book.
Instead of going for a run, a person might laze around in bed on a lazy Sunday morning, catching up on sleep and watching movies.
After a long day at work, someone might laze around on the couch, binge-watching their favorite TV show.

20. Procrastinating

To “procrastinate” means to delay or postpone action, often by putting off tasks or responsibilities until later.

For example, instead of starting a project, a student might procrastinate by checking social media or watching videos.
When faced with a deadline, a person might procrastinate by finding other tasks to do that are less important or urgent.
Despite knowing the importance of a task, someone might still procrastinate due to a lack of motivation or fear of failure.

21. Dawdling

Dawdling refers to the act of wasting time by moving slowly or idly. It implies a lack of urgency or purpose in one’s actions.

For example, “Stop dawdling and finish your homework!”
A parent might scold their child, “Quit dawdling and get ready for school.”
A friend might playfully tease, “You’re always dawdling. We’re going to be late!”

22. Wasting away

Wasting away refers to the act of spending time in an unproductive or idle manner. It implies a sense of time slipping away without accomplishing anything significant.

For instance, “I spent the whole weekend wasting away on social media.”
A person might say, “I feel like I’m wasting away at this dead-end job.”
Someone might confess, “I’ve been wasting away my summer vacation by binge-watching TV shows.”

23. Piddling around

Piddling around refers to engaging in trivial or unimportant activities that do not contribute to any meaningful outcome. It suggests a lack of focus or purpose in how one spends their time.

For example, “Instead of studying, I’ve been piddling around on my phone.”
A person might complain, “I hate piddling around with paperwork. It’s so tedious.”
A friend might ask, “Why are you piddling around with that puzzle? We have work to do!”

24. Wasting hours

Wasting hours refers to using up a significant amount of time in an unproductive or idle manner. It implies a sense of time being lost or squandered without achieving anything worthwhile.

For instance, “I’ve been wasting hours scrolling through social media.”
A person might admit, “I regret wasting hours watching mindless TV shows.”
Someone might complain, “The meeting was a waste of time. We wasted hours discussing irrelevant topics.”

25. Lazing around

Lazing around refers to the act of being idle or doing nothing. It suggests a lack of motivation or energy to engage in productive activities.

For example, “I spent the entire weekend lazing around the house.”
A person might say, “I feel guilty for lazing around when I have so much work to do.”
Someone might comment, “I enjoy lazing around on a lazy Sunday, just relaxing and doing nothing.”

26. Wasting precious time

This phrase emphasizes the value and importance of time, suggesting that it is being wasted instead of being used wisely.

For example, “Stop wasting precious time on social media and start working on your goals.”
Someone might say, “I spent the whole day binge-watching TV shows and wasting precious time.”
A parent might scold their child, “You need to stop wasting precious time playing video games and do your homework.”

27. Wasting the day away

This phrase implies that the person is not making the most of their day and is instead engaging in activities that do not contribute to their goals or responsibilities.

For instance, “I wasted the day away watching random videos on YouTube.”
Someone might say, “I have so much work to do, but I ended up wasting the day away scrolling through social media.”
A friend might ask, “Want to go out and do something productive, or are we just wasting the day away?”

28. Dallying

This term suggests that the person is not taking their tasks or responsibilities seriously and is instead wasting time on unimportant or trivial activities.

For example, “I caught myself dallying around instead of completing my work.”
Someone might say, “Stop dallying and start focusing on what needs to be done.”
A boss might reprimand their employee, “We can’t afford to have employees dallying around instead of being productive.”

29. Wasting time like there’s no tomorrow

This phrase emphasizes the sense of urgency and the idea that time is being wasted without any regard for its finite nature.

For instance, “I’ve been wasting time like there’s no tomorrow, and now I’m behind on my deadlines.”
Someone might say, “Life is short, so let’s make the most of it instead of wasting time like there’s no tomorrow.”
A motivational speaker might say, “Don’t waste time like there’s no tomorrow; seize every moment and make it count.”

30. Loafing around

This phrase suggests that the person is not actively engaged in meaningful activities and is instead wasting time in a leisurely or unproductive manner.

For example, “Instead of being productive, I spent the whole day loafing around.”
Someone might say, “I need to stop loafing around and start being more productive with my time.”
A parent might scold their child, “You’ve been loafing around all day; it’s time to do something useful.”

31. Piddling

Piddling refers to spending time on insignificant or unnecessary tasks, often resulting in a lack of productivity.

For example, “Stop piddling around and get to work!”
Someone might complain, “I wasted the whole day piddling on my phone.”
A frustrated boss might say, “I can’t have my employees piddling around all day.”

32. Wasting precious moments

Wasting precious moments refers to using time in a way that is not productive or fulfilling.

For instance, “I regret wasting precious moments on social media.”
A friend might advise, “Don’t waste your precious moments on things that don’t matter.”
Someone might reflect, “I realized I was wasting precious moments and decided to make a change.”

33. Idling

Idling refers to not engaging in any productive or meaningful activities and instead remaining in a state of inactivity.

For example, “Don’t just sit there idling, do something!”
A teacher might scold a student, “Stop idling and start working on your assignment.”
Someone might confess, “I spent the whole weekend idling and now I feel guilty.”

34. Wasting valuable time

Wasting valuable time refers to spending time on activities that do not contribute to one’s goals or priorities.

For instance, “I regret wasting valuable time on mindless scrolling.”
A parent might warn their child, “Don’t waste your valuable time on video games.”
Someone might acknowledge, “I’ve been wasting valuable time and need to start focusing on what’s important.”

35. Faffing about

Faffing about refers to spending time on trivial or unimportant tasks, often without achieving anything meaningful.

For example, “Stop faffing about and start doing something productive.”
A friend might joke, “I spent the whole day faffing about and accomplished nothing.”
Someone might admit, “I tend to faff about when I’m feeling unmotivated.”

36. Wasting the clock

This phrase refers to spending time on activities that do not contribute to productivity or progress. It implies that time is being wasted without any meaningful outcome.

For example, “Instead of working on his project, he was wasting the clock by browsing social media.”
In a conversation about time management, someone might say, “I need to stop wasting the clock and focus on my goals.”
A supervisor might warn an employee, “Don’t spend your work hours wasting the clock, make sure you’re being productive.”

37. Wasting the hours away

This expression suggests spending a significant amount of time on unimportant or unproductive activities, resulting in a feeling of time slipping away.

For instance, “Instead of studying for the exam, she was wasting the hours away watching TV.”
During a casual conversation, someone might say, “I spent the entire weekend wasting the hours away playing video games.”
A friend might ask, “Want to go out and do something productive? I’m tired of wasting the hours away at home.”

38. Time-sucking

This term refers to activities that are highly time-consuming and tend to take up a significant portion of one’s day, often leaving little time for more important tasks.

For example, “Social media can be a time-sucking habit if not managed properly.”
In a discussion about productivity, someone might say, “I need to eliminate all my time-sucking activities and focus on what truly matters.”
A colleague might complain, “Meetings are such a time-sucking drain on our productivity.”

39. Wasting the day

This phrase suggests using an entire day without achieving anything meaningful or productive. It implies a sense of regret or dissatisfaction with how time has been spent.

For instance, “Instead of working on his project, he was wasting the day playing video games.”
During a casual conversation, someone might say, “I always feel guilty after wasting the day doing nothing.”
A person might reflect, “I need to stop wasting the day and start pursuing my goals.”

40. Wasting away the minutes

This expression implies spending short periods of time on activities that do not contribute to productivity or personal growth. It suggests a lack of efficient use of time.

For example, “Instead of reading a book during his break, he was wasting away the minutes scrolling through social media.”
In a conversation about time management, someone might say, “I realize I’ve been wasting away the minutes on trivial tasks.”
A friend might suggest, “Let’s make a list of productive things to do during those wasted minutes throughout the day.”

Top 40 Slang For Wasting Time – Meaning & Usage - FluentSlang (2024)