slack around

USAGE SUMMARY

"slack around" is a valid phrase used in English.
It is usually used to describe someone being lazy or not doing much of anything. For example: "We've been slacking around since lunch, so let's get back to work!".

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Savanna has fallen asleep, her lips slack around the nipple.

The New Yorker

Today, however, he looks OK: whippy, bright-eyed and only a little slack around the jawline.

The Guardian - Film

In so doing, you bid farewell to any traces of inhibition that hung slack around your soul and equipped yourself to join in the bracing new conversation on which society had embarked.

The New Yorker

The apparatus plugs into an outlet, you plug the charger into said apparatus, and through the magic of cord-wrangling, you wrap your adapter's existing cord slack around the charging station and set your phone atop its built-in shelf.

TechCrunch

Whereas donations to individual candidates or political parties are banned for corporations and trade unions, and strictly capped to $1,550/year for individuals (to a given political party or a given riding association), the rules are much more slack around third parties like charities or other non-profit organizations.

Vice

Don't slack around.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Both players took a fashion risk and sported banana-colored slacks around Bay Hill, which all but waved a white flag under a birdie barrage.

Los Angeles Times

Earlier this year Microsoft mulled acquiring Slack for around $8 billion, but it decided to throw its resources behind Skype and Teams.

TechCrunch

Now, having found Rachel, who doesn't mind a spiritless middle-aged slacker hanging around, I have become obsessed with the gangster who ate in the same room where we play Yahtzee.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was left enough slack to shuffle around and use the bathroom at the apartment in the five-story brick building at 1411 Townsend Avenue near 171st Street in the Morris Heights section.

The New York Times

As an example, I am part of a group on Slack that focuses around marketing.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slack around", consider the context. It's best suited for informal situations or when describing unproductive behavior in a lighthearted way. Avoid using it in formal reports or business communications where a more professional tone is required.

Common error

Be mindful of the negative connotation of "slack around". Avoid using it to describe someone who is taking a well-deserved break or engaging in leisure activities after completing their tasks. Instead, reserve it for situations where there is a clear lack of productivity or responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slack around" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, describing an action performed by a subject. It indicates a state of idleness or inactivity. Ludwig examples show it modifying the subject's behavior.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slack around" is a grammatically correct but informal phrase that describes being idle or unproductive. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its use in real-world contexts. It's most commonly found in informal settings like Wiki and News & Media. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context and avoid using it in formal situations. Alternatives like "lounge about" or "loaf around" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Be careful not to confuse "slack around" with taking a well-deserved rest, and remember that it carries a negative connotation implying a lack of responsibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lounge about

This alternative suggests relaxation and inactivity, often in a comfortable setting.

loaf around

This implies aimless wandering and spending time idly.

bum around

This is a more informal way to say 'loaf around', often implying a lack of purpose.

idle away

This suggests spending time in a leisurely and unproductive manner.

dawdle around

This implies moving slowly and without purpose, wasting time.

goof off

This phrase suggests avoiding work or responsibility in a playful way.

mess around

This implies engaging in unproductive or frivolous activity.

hang out

This is a general term for spending time casually, often with friends.

take it easy

Suggests a relaxed approach with minimal effort.

chill out

Implies relaxing and reducing stress, often in a social setting.

FAQs

What does it mean to "slack around"?

To "slack around" means to avoid work or responsibility and spend time idly or lazily. It implies a lack of productivity and can have a negative connotation depending on the context.

What are some alternative phrases for "slack around"?

You can use phrases like "lounge about", "loaf around", or "goof off" as alternatives to "slack around", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "slack around" in formal writing?

No, it's generally not appropriate to use "slack around" in formal writing. It is better suited for informal conversations or casual writing. Use more professional terms like 'negligence' or 'failure to fulfill obligations' instead.

How can I use "slack around" in a sentence?

You can say, "They've been slacking around all day instead of working on the project," or "The employees tend to slack around when the manager is not present."