Futzing: meaning, definitions and examples

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futzing

[ ˈfʌt͡sɪŋ ]

Verb

^{Context #1 | Verb}

casual use

Futzing refers to the act of wasting time or engaging in trivial or unproductive activities. It often implies a lack of seriousness or a playful approach to tasks. People might futz around when they are procrastinating or avoiding responsibilities. The term suggests a leisurely attitude towards work or chores, often with an element of playfulness or aimlessness.

Synonyms

dawdling, fooling around, messing about, wasting time.

Examples of usage

Stop futzing around and get to work.
He was just futzing in the garage instead of fixing the car.
She spent the afternoon futzing with her phone.
I can't believe I spent hours futzing over a simple decision.

Translations

Translations of the word "futzing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 brincando

🇮🇳 बेतुकी बातें करना

🇩🇪 herumfummeln

🇮🇩 bermain-main

🇺🇦 пустощі

🇵🇱 bawić się

🇯🇵 ふざける

🇫🇷 foutre

🇪🇸 tonterías

🇹🇷 oyun oynamak

🇰🇷 장난치다

🇸🇦 العبث

🇨🇿 blbnout

🇸🇰 blbnúť

🇨🇳 玩弄

🇸🇮 noreti

🇮🇸 leika

🇰🇿 ойнау

🇬🇪 თამაშობანა

🇦🇿 şənlənmək

🇲🇽 jugar

Etymology

The term 'futzing' is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, primarily in American slang. It is thought to be a variant of the Yiddish word 'futzen', which means 'to mess up' or 'to waste time'. The use of 'futz' has been associated with a sense of playfulness and lightheartedness, indicating activities that are not taken too seriously. Over the decades, the term has solidified itself in informal English, especially within certain demographics, often used to describe both physical and mental idleness. Its roots in Yiddish reflect the historical migration patterns of Jewish communities in the United States, bringing unique linguistic elements into everyday English. The word's evolution captures the essence of American slang—fluid, dynamic, and deeply rooted in cultural exchanges.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,920, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.

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42917 goriest
42918 glamourized
42919 tackiest
42920 futzing
42921 haemorrhaged
42922 patchier
42923 trashiest
...