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Phrasal verbs "faff around" vs "goof around"

Differences between faff around and goof around

Faff around is a British slang term that means to waste time doing unimportant or unnecessary things, while goof around is an American slang term that means to behave in a silly or playful way.

Meanings and Definitions: faff around vs goof around

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Faff around

  • 1Behave indecisively.

    She told him to stop FAFFING AROUND and make his mind up.

Goof around

  • 1Fool around, not be serious.

    We spent the weekend GOOFING AROUND.

Usage Examples: faff around, goof around in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

faff around

Example

Stop faffing around and start working on your project.

Example

He always faffs around before getting to work.

goof around

Example

When we have free time, we often goof around in the park.

Example

He always goofs around when he should be studying.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Faff around

mess about

To waste time doing unimportant or unnecessary things.

Example

Stop messing about and get back to work!

dilly-dally

To waste time by being indecisive or slow.

Example

We don't have all day, so let's stop dilly-dallying and make a decision.

procrastinate

To delay or postpone doing something, usually out of laziness or lack of motivation.

Example

I always procrastinate when it comes to doing my taxes.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Goof around

act silly

To behave in a playful or foolish way.

Example

The kids were acting silly and making funny faces at each other.

horse around

To play roughly or energetically, often in a way that could be dangerous or annoying to others.

Example

The boys were horsing around and accidentally knocked over a vase.

fool around

To engage in playful or flirtatious behavior, often without serious intentions.

Example

I heard that John and Sarah have been fooling around lately, but I'm not sure if it's true.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “faff”

Phrasal Verbs with “goof”

Differences in faff around vs goof around: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: faff around or goof around?

Both faff around and goof around are informal phrases that are commonly used in casual conversations. However, goof around is more common in American English, while faff around is more commonly used in British English.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of faff around and goof around

Neither faff around nor goof around are formal expressions. They are both suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family, but not appropriate for more formal settings like business or academic contexts.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of faff around and goof around

The tone of faff around and goof around is generally lighthearted and playful. However, faff around can also carry a sense of frustration or annoyance when someone is wasting time, while goof around can sometimes have a negative connotation if someone is being too silly or immature.

faff around & goof around: Synonyms and Antonyms

Faff around

Synonyms

Goof around

Synonyms

  • dally
  • loaf
  • lark
  • fool around
  • mess around
  • play around
  • fiddle around
  • muck about
  • horse around
  • clown around

Antonyms

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