futzed around

Futzed around is the past tense of futz around, meaning to waste time on trivial or aimless activity.

It suggests puttering without accomplishing much, often with a hint of self-indulgence or avoidance of more pressing matters.

I futzed around on my phone instead of finishing the report.

The word futz likely derives from Yiddish and carries a mildly vulgar undertone, though most speakers today use it without awareness of this origin.