arse about: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to mediumInformal, slang, often vulgar
Quick answer
What does “arse about” mean?
To behave in a disorganized, inefficient, or foolish way.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To behave in a disorganized, inefficient, or foolish way; to mess around.
To waste time through incompetence, poor planning, or unnecessary complications; to handle a situation in a clumsy, roundabout manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
'Arse' is the British English term; American English uses 'ass about/around'. The phrase is far more common and established in British usage.
Connotations
In British English, it's strongly informal but widely understood. In American English, 'ass about' is less idiomatic and may sound like a Britishism.
Frequency
Common in British informal speech; rare in American English, where 'screw around', 'horse around', or 'mess around' are preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “arse about” in a Sentence
[Subject] + arse about[Subject] + arse about + with + [object][Subject] + arse about + [adverbial]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “arse about” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Stop arsing about and help me!
- He spent the whole afternoon arsing about with the settings.
- They were just arsing about in the garage.
American English
- Quit screwing around and focus! (equivalent)
- They were just horsing around all day. (equivalent)
adverb
British English
- He did the whole thing arse-about-face.
American English
- He did the whole thing ass-backwards. (equivalent)
adjective
British English
- It was a completely arse-about-face way to do it.
American English
- It was a completely ass-backwards way to do it. (equivalent)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate; would indicate severe criticism of a colleague's incompetence in very informal settings.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used among friends/family to express mild to strong annoyance at time-wasting.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “arse about”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “arse about”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arse about”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using 'arse about' as a noun (*He did an arse about).
- Using the American 'ass about' in a UK context sounds odd.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and can be considered mildly vulgar due to 'arse'. Avoid in polite or formal situations.
It will likely be understood due to media, but it sounds distinctly British. Americans would naturally say 'screw around', 'mess around', or 'horse around'.
They are virtually synonymous. 'Arse about' can sometimes imply slightly more aimless inefficiency, while 'arse around' implies more frivolous behaviour, but the distinction is very subtle.
Not directly. The related adjective is 'arse-about-face'. The activity is described as 'arsing about' (gerund).
To behave in a disorganized, inefficient, or foolish way.
Arse about is usually informal, slang, often vulgar in register.
Arse about: in British English it is pronounced /ɑːs əˈbaʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced Not standard; /æs əˈbaʊt/ if adapted.. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “arse about face (adj.) – disorganized, back-to-front”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone trying to move a sofa by spinning it in circles ('arsing about') instead of carrying it straight through the door.
Conceptual Metaphor
INEFFICIENT ACTION IS CIRCULAR/CHAOTIC MOVEMENT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'arse about' be LEAST appropriate?