Differences between mess about and mess around
Mess about and mess around are two phrasal verbs that have very similar meanings. They both refer to spending time doing something in a relaxed or unproductive way. However, mess about is more commonly used in British English, while mess around is more common in American English.
Meanings and Definitions: mess about vs mess around
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Mess about
- 1Not be serious, not use something properly.
The children were MESSING ABOUT with the TV remote control and broke it.
- 2Treat someone badly.
He is always MESSING me ABOUT and never does what he promises.
- 3Have a sexual relationship outside marriage or a permanent relationship.
He's not faithful- he's been MESSING ABOUT since they were married.
Mess around
- 1Not be serious, play with something.
I was MESSING AROUND on the internet because I couldn't be bothered to do any work.
- 2Treat someone badly.
She is always MESSING me AROUND and never does what she promises.
- 3Have a sexual relationship outside marriage or a permanent relationship.
She's not faithful- she's been MESSING ABOUT since they got married.
Usage Examples: mess about, mess around in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
mess about
Example
The kids were messing about in the playground.
Example
He always messes about with his phone during class.
mess around
Example
He likes to mess around with his friends after school.
Example
She messes around on her phone instead of studying.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Mess about
play around
To engage in an activity in a relaxed or unserious way, often without any particular aim or goal.
Example
He spent the afternoon playing around with his new camera, experimenting with different settings and angles.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Mess around
hang out
To spend time with someone in a relaxed or casual way, often without any specific plans or activities.
Example
We're just going to hang out at the mall for a while and see what's going on.
chill out
To relax or take it easy, often in a social setting or with friends.
Example
After a long day at work, I like to chill out on the couch and watch some TV.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “mess”
Phrasal Verbs with “about”
Phrasal Verbs with “around”
- dig around
- poke around
- shop around
- hoon around
- mope around
Differences in mess about vs mess around: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: mess about or mess around?
Both mess about and mess around are commonly used in everyday conversation, but their frequency of use may vary depending on the region. In general, mess around is slightly more common than mess about in American English, while mess about is more common in British English.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of mess about and mess around
Both mess about and mess around are informal phrases that are typically used in casual conversations. They are not appropriate for formal settings such as business or academic contexts.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of mess about and mess around
The tone of mess about and mess around is generally playful or relaxed. These phrases are often used when talking about leisure activities or when someone is not taking something seriously.
mess about & mess around: Synonyms and Antonyms
Mess about
Synonyms
- fiddle
- experiment
- dabble
- trifle
- fool around
- play around
- toy with
- tinker
Antonyms
- focus
- concentrate
- commit
- be serious
- work diligently
- be reliable
Mess around
Synonyms
- fiddle
- dabble
- procrastinate
- fool around
- play around
- toy with
- tinker
- waste time
Antonyms
- focus
- concentrate
- commit
- dedicate
- work hard
- be serious
