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Loafing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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loafing

[หˆloสŠfษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

lazy

To loaf means to spend time doing nothing, to be lazy or idle.

Synonyms

dawdle, idle, laze, lollygag, lounge.

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Word Description / Examples
loafing

Loafing is used when someone is being lazy and avoiding work. It has a slight negative connotation.

  • He was caught loafing around the office instead of finishing his tasks
laze

Laze is used when someone is relaxing and not doing much, usually in a leisurely way.

  • She likes to laze around on weekends and read her favorite books
lounge

Lounge implies sitting or lying in a relaxed way, often used in the context of comfort and leisure.

  • We decided to lounge by the pool all afternoon enjoying the sunshine
idle

Idle refers to a state of doing nothing or being inactive. It can be used to describe machines or people.

  • The workers were idle during the equipment malfunction
lollygag

Lollygag is an informal word that means to spend time aimlessly or to dawdle.

  • They were lollygagging by the lake instead of attending the meeting
dawdle

Dawdle means to move or act too slowly, often wasting time and delaying progress.

  • Stop dawdling and get ready for school; youโ€™re going to be late!

Examples of usage

  • He was caught loafing around the house instead of doing his chores.
  • She spent the whole day loafing on the couch watching TV.
  • Don't loaf around, we have work to do.
  • I can't stand it when people just loaf all day without being productive.
  • Stop loafing and start working on your assignments.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The expression 'loafing around' became popular in the 20th century and often appears in songs and movies about youth and leisure.
  • Famous personalities in music and art have been depicted as 'loafers' - characters who value relaxation and creativity over productivity.

Psychology

  • Taking time to loaf or rest is essential for mental health, allowing for creativity and reducing stress.
  • Research shows that breaks and idle time can boost productivity when you return to work.

Literature

  • In literature, loafing is often portrayed as a source of inspiration, where characters find clarity in moments of idleness.
  • Some famous literary characters are known for their laid-back, loafing lifestyles, illustrating a balance between work and relaxation.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In different cultures, attitudes towards loafing vary; some see it as laziness, while others view it as an important part of life.
  • Certain cultures, especially Mediterranean ones, embrace leisurely study and relaxation, seeing loafing as a way to recharge.

Origin of 'loafing'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the word 'loaf,' which originally referred to a piece of bread, suggesting staying idle like something just resting.
  • In the 19th century, 'loafing' started to be used to mean wasting time instead of working.

The word 'loafing' originated from the Middle English word 'lofen' which meant to be idle or lazy. Over time, it evolved to refer to spending time doing nothing or being lazy. The concept of loafing has been a part of human behavior for centuries, with various cultures having different views on idleness and productivity.

See also: loaf, loafer, loafers.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,329, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.