dicks around
Goofs off aimlessly
To dick around is to waste time or engage in aimless, unproductive activity.
Someone dicking around might be goofing off at work, fiddling with something without purpose, or deliberately avoiding responsibility.
Stop dicking around and finish your homework.
The phrase can also suggest messing with someone or something in an annoying way: He keeps dicking around with the thermostat.
It's vulgar but common in casual speech.
- goofing offIdling instead of working
- shilly-shallyingProlonged indecisive behavior
- social loafingReduced exertion in groups
- procrastinationHabitual task avoidance
- twiddling thumbsGesture of impatient boredom
boredom · indecision · malingering · distraction · dawdling · dragging one's feet · laziness · apathy · puttering · carelessness · restlessness · indifference · disengagement · avoidance · passivity · inattentiveness · pissing about · lethargy
dicks aroundgets down to business
Begins focused, purposeful work
buckles down · focuses · applies oneself · knuckles down · produces
dicks aroundconcentrates
Directs sustained attention
pays attention · locks in · focuses · bears down · hones in