time-killers
Idle hours' companions
Time-killers are activities undertaken primarily to make idle time pass more quickly rather than to accomplish anything productive.
The term often carries a slightly dismissive tone, suggesting the activity has little inherent value beyond occupying one's attention.
Scrolling through social media and playing phone games are my go-to time-killers during long commutes.
Crossword puzzles, casual games, and mindless browsing are classic examples.
Problems designed to challenge
- crosswordsClued letter grids
- sudokuLogic grid puzzle
- magazinesPeriodic illustrated publications
- doodlingCasual aimless sketching
people-watching · window shopping · card games · solitaire · jigsaw · word search · coloring books · knitting
Moving display content vertically
- social mediaOnline content-sharing platforms
- mobile gamesSoftware entertainment for smartphones
- YouTubeVideo-sharing website
- TikTokShort-form video service
Netflix · binge-watching · Reddit · memes · podcasts · online shopping · streaming · Wordle
Polite trivial conversation
- gossipInformal talk spreading rumors
- chitchatInformal light conversation
- textingSending typed mobile messages
- group chatsMulti-party messaging conversations
coffee breaks · water cooler · catching up · phone calls · reunions · hangouts · lounging · shooting the breeze
Facilities for aircraft arrival
- waiting roomsSpaces for those expecting appointments
- commutesRegular work-related journeys
- queuesOrderly waiting arrangements
- layoversScheduled breaks mid-journey
delays · lobbies · dentist office · bus stops · train stations · traffic · lunch breaks · laundromats
puzzles
Problems designed to challenge
- crosswordsClued letter grids
- sudokuLogic grid puzzle
- magazinesPeriodic illustrated publications
doodling · people-watching · window shopping · card games · solitaire · jigsaw · word search · coloring books · knitting · fidgeting
scrolling
Moving display content vertically
- social mediaOnline content-sharing platforms
- mobile gamesSoftware entertainment for smartphones
- YouTubeVideo-sharing website
TikTok · Netflix · binge-watching · Reddit · memes · podcasts · online shopping · streaming · Wordle · Instagram
small talk
Polite trivial conversation
- gossipInformal talk spreading rumors
- chitchatInformal light conversation
- textingSending typed mobile messages
group chats · coffee breaks · water cooler · catching up · phone calls · reunions · hangouts · lounging · shooting the breeze · banter
airports
Facilities for aircraft arrival
- waiting roomsSpaces for those expecting appointments
- commutesRegular work-related journeys
- queuesOrderly waiting arrangements
layovers · delays · lobbies · dentist office · bus stops · train stations · traffic · lunch breaks · laundromats · holding patterns
time-killersurgent tasks
Work requiring immediate attention
priorities · deadlines · emergencies · crunch time · top priorities
time-killerspassions
Intense driving emotions
life's work · callings · vocations · labors of love · deep work
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