kick about
B2Informal
Definition
Meaning
To handle, discuss, or consider (an idea, proposal, etc.) in a casual, non-committal, or speculative way; to discuss informally.
To spend time in an aimless or relaxed way; to be present but unused (especially of an object). To treat someone roughly or inconsiderately.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a phrasal verb. The core sense involves non-urgent, often collaborative, consideration of ideas or possibilities. The 'spend time aimlessly' sense is less common. The 'treat roughly' sense is dated or colloquial.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both 'kick about' and 'kick around' are used in British English. 'Kick around' is more common in American English. The figurative 'consider/discuss' sense is used in both.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes informality, lack of pressure, and preliminary thinking. In the UK, it can sound slightly more casual or colloquial.
Frequency
More frequent in spoken and informal written English in both varieties. The noun form 'kickabout' (a casual game of football/soccer) is almost exclusively British.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] kick about [idea/object] (with [person])[idea/object] has been kicking about (for [time])Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Let's kick it about for a while.”
- “That old sofa's been kicking about the garage for years.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in brainstorming sessions or early-stage project discussions. 'We need to kick about some marketing strategies.'
Academic
Rare. Possibly in informal research group discussions about hypotheses.
Everyday
Very common for making informal plans. 'We kicked about the idea of a weekend trip.'
Technical
Unlikely, unless in very informal tech team discussions about solutions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We kicked about a few names for the new pub.
- That old bike's been kicking about the shed.
- They were just kicking about in the garden all afternoon.
American English
- Let's kick around some ideas after lunch.
- An old rumor has been kicking around the office for weeks.
- He spent the summer kicking around Europe.
adjective
British English
- We had a kickabout game of football.
- It's just a kickabout proposal, nothing formal.
American English
- We had a kickaround with the soccer ball.
- It was a kickaround session, very informal.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The ball was kicking about in the yard.
- We kicked the ball about for fun.
- We kicked about the idea of a class party.
- My old tennis racket is kicking about somewhere.
- The committee kicked the proposal about for an hour before shelving it.
- He's been kicking about the music scene for years without a big break.
- Several intriguing hypotheses have been kicking about in academic circles, awaiting proper investigation.
- The concept of a four-day workweek has been kicked about by management, but no concrete plans have emerged.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine literally kicking a football around with friends in a park – it's playful, not a serious match. Figuratively, 'kicking about' an idea is the same: informal, playful brainstorming.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE PHYSICAL OBJECTS (that can be played with casually). THINKING IS A PHYSICAL GAME (without strict rules).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить буквально как 'бить ногой вокруг'.
- Не путать с 'kick off' (начинать).
- В значении 'проводить время' похоже на 'болтаться', но не 'отдыхать целенаправленно'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal writing. (Incorrect)
- Using 'kick about' for a final, decisive discussion. (Incorrect)
- Confusing 'We kicked about the idea' (discussed) with 'We kicked the idea about' (less common word order).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'kick about' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is decidedly informal. Avoid it in formal reports, academic papers, or official communications.
'Discuss' is neutral and can be formal or informal. 'Kick about' specifically implies a casual, preliminary, non-binding, and often collaborative exploration of ideas without pressure to decide.
Yes, but this sense ('He gets kicked about by his boss') is now considered dated or very colloquial. The 'consider ideas' and 'lie unused' senses are far more common in modern English.
Yes, but only as a noun meaning 'a casual game of football/soccer' (mainly British). As a verb, it is almost always spelled as two words: 'kick about' or 'kick around'.