Differences between mess about with and mess around with

Both mess about with and mess around with mean to spend time doing something in a relaxed or unproductive way. However, mess about with is more commonly used in British English, while mess around with is more common in American English.

Meanings and Definitions: mess about with vs mess around with

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Mess about with

1Have a sexual relationship outside marriage or a permanent relationship.
She's been MESSING ABOUT WITH another guy she knows from work.
2Try to improve something, usually making things worse.
The computer was working fine until he started MESSING ABOUT WITH it.

Mess around with

1Have a sexual relationship outside marriage or a permanent relationship.
He's been MESSING ABOUT WITH a woman he works with.
2Try to improve something, usually making things worse.
The computer was working fine until they started MESSING ABOUT WITH it.

Usage Examples: mess about with, mess around with in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

mess about with

Example

He always messes about with gadgets and devices.

Example

She messes about with her hair to create new styles.

mess around with

Example

I shouldn't have messed around with the settings on my phone.

Example

She messes around with her computer settings too much.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Mess about with

fiddle with

To make small adjustments or movements to something without any particular purpose.

Example

He spent hours fiddling with his new camera, trying to figure out all its features.

play around with

To experiment with or try out different options or possibilities in a playful or casual manner.

Example

She likes to play around with different hairstyles and makeup looks in her free time.

tinker with

To make small changes or repairs to something in an attempt to improve it or make it work better.

Example

He enjoys tinkering with old cars and restoring them to their former glory.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Mess around with

fool around with

To play or joke around with something or someone in a light-hearted or teasing way.

Example

He likes to fool around with his friends and make silly jokes to lighten the mood.

toy with

To play with or manipulate something or someone without any serious intention or commitment.

Example

She knew he was just toying with her emotions and didn't take his advances seriously.

muck around with

To waste time or engage in unproductive activities in a playful or carefree manner.

Example

They spent the whole afternoon mucking around with their phones instead of doing their homework.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “mess”

Phrasal Verbs with “around with”

kick around with

Differences in mess about with vs mess around with: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: mess about with or mess around with?

Both phrases are commonly used in everyday conversation, but their usage varies based on the region. Mess around with is more common in American English, while mess about with is more common in British English.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of mess about with and mess around with

Both mess about with and mess around with are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations with friends and family. They are not typically used in formal settings like business or academic contexts.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of mess about with and mess around with

The tone of both phrases is generally playful and lighthearted, suggesting a relaxed attitude towards the activity being discussed.

mess about with & mess around with: Synonyms and Antonyms

Mess about with

Synonyms

cheat
engage in affairs
experiment with
tinker with
play around with

Antonyms

be faithful
stay committed
leave untouched
avoid interfering

Mess around with

Synonyms

fool with
tinker with
meddle with
tamper with
flirt with
have an affair with

Antonyms