to dick around
Pronunciation
/dˈɪk ɐɹˈaʊnd/

Definition & Meaning of "dick around"in English

to dick around
01

to waste time doing nothing productive or fooling around instead of working

Dialectamerican flagAmerican
to dick around definition and meaning
Slang
Vulgar
Grammatical Information
Composition
phrasal
Action verb
Regular
Inseparable
Particle
around
Base verb
dick
Present tense
dick around
3rd person singular
dicks around
Present participle
dicking around
Past simple
dicked around
Past participle
dicked around

What is the origin of the term "dick around" and how is it used?

"dick around" is a slang phrasal verb that appeared in English in the mid-20th century, using "dick" in a vulgar sense to convey pointless or idle activity. It describes wasting time, fooling around, or avoiding productive work. The term is commonly used in informal speech, workplace banter, casual storytelling, and online discussions. It is mildly vulgar and context-dependent—acceptable among peers in casual or humorous settings, but inappropriate in formal or polite situations.

Examples
Quit dicking around on your phone and finish the homework.
to dick somebody around
to dick somebody around
01

to intentionally cause problems or stop someone from achieving their goals, indicating a lack of consideration toward their time and needs

Dialectamerican flagAmerican
Informal
Examples
He's always dicking me around by changing plans at the last minute.
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