slacking around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slacking around" is not standard in written English; the correct expression is "slacking off." You can use it to describe someone who is being lazy or not working hard, often in a casual or informal context.
Example: "Instead of studying for the exam, he spent the whole day slacking off with his friends."

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

Don't slack around.

WikiHow

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

A lot of students start slacking off around middle school.

WikiHow

This, of course, to anyone who has gawped at the pyramids of Giza or wandered slack-jawed around the temple of Karnak, cannot help but feel frustrating.

The Guardian - Books

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

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

TechCrunch

There's no lollygagging here — Moov is all business, telling you to get moving if it senses you're standing around or slacking.

Los Angeles Times

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's lack of productivity, consider using more precise alternatives like "goofing off" or "lazing around" to better convey the nuance of their idleness.

Common error

Avoid using "slacking around" in formal writing; it is generally considered more appropriate for informal contexts. Opt for "slacking off" or other more formal equivalents in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slacking around" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a state of idleness or lack of productivity. It describes the action of avoiding work or responsibility, often in a casual or playful manner. Ludwig AI suggests that the more common version is "slacking off."

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slacking around" is an informal phrasal verb that describes being lazy or unproductive. While understandable, it's not as grammatically standard as "slacking off", as indicated by Ludwig AI. It's best used in casual contexts, and more formal situations call for alternatives like "goofing off" or "lazing around". Although it is listed by Ludwig as acceptable it's better to prefer a more standard version of this expression such as "slacking off" or "goofing off".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

goofing off on the job

Refers to being unproductive or not serious while at work.

goofing off

Implies playful idleness or avoiding serious tasks.

avoiding work

Specifically means making an effort to skip or stay away from assigned activities or responsibilities.

lazing around

Suggests relaxing and doing nothing, often in a leisurely way.

loafing around

Indicates spending time idly, typically without purpose or direction.

wasting time

Implies using time in an unproductive or frivolous manner.

shirking responsibility

Focuses on neglecting duties or tasks one is expected to perform.

taking it easy

Implies relaxing and avoiding strenuous activity or work.

fooling around

Suggests engaging in silly or frivolous activities.

dawdling

Implies moving or acting slowly and aimlessly.

FAQs

What does "slacking around" mean?

"Slacking around" means avoiding work or responsibility, often in a lazy or unproductive way. It is often used informally to describe someone who is not being diligent or efficient.

What can I say instead of "slacking around"?

You can use alternatives like "goofing off", "lazing around", or "loafing around" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "slacking off" or "slacking around"?

"Slacking off" is the more commonly accepted and grammatically standard phrase. While "slacking around" is understandable, it is not as widely used and may be considered less formal or even incorrect in some contexts.

Is "slacking around" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "slacking around" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, it's better to use "slacking off" or other more professional alternatives like "neglecting responsibilities" or "avoiding work".