What are the definitions of “piss about”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To waste time or act in a careless or unproductive manner.
They’ve pissed me about so much that I don’t want to work for them again.
- 2To waste time or fool around aimlessly.
We spent the day just pissing around beside the pool.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “piss about”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb piss about is to waste time or act in a careless or unproductive manner. It is often used to describe someone who is not taking their work or responsibilities seriously. For example, it can mean spending time doing unimportant things instead of focusing on what needs to be done.
What are the different verb forms of “piss about”?
| Root Verb | piss about |
| Third Person Singular Present | pisses about |
| Present Participle | pissing about |
| Simple Past | pissed about |
| Past Participle | pissed about |
Example
Stop pissing about and get to work!
Example
He always pisses about when he should be studying.
Example
They are pissing about instead of helping with the project.
Example
Yesterday, she pissed about all day and didn't finish her tasks.
Example
He had pissed about so much that he missed the deadline.
What kind of phrasal verb is “piss about”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“piss about” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She pissed about all day and didn't get anything done.
Example
They were pissing about instead of focusing on their work.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“piss about” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She pissed about all day and didn't get anything done.
Example
They were pissing about instead of focusing on their work.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “piss about”?
Piss about with something
To waste time playing with or using something in an unproductive way.
Example
He spent hours pissing about with his new phone instead of doing his homework.
Piss someone about
To cause someone inconvenience or annoyance, often by not being reliable or wasting their time.
Example
The company pissed me about with delays and poor communication.
Good things to know
Does “piss about” have an informal or formal tone?
Piss about is considered informal and even vulgar in some contexts. It is not appropriate for use in formal settings or with people you do not know well. Instead, use more polite alternatives like 'waste time' or 'fool around' in such situations.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “piss about”?
Synonyms
- dawdle
- waste time
- fool around
- mess around
- procrastinate
- loaf
- lounge
Antonyms
- concentrate
- focus
- work hard
- be productive
- get to work
- be efficient
