Loafing: meaning, definitions and examples

🛋️

Add to dictionary

loafing

[ˈloʊfɪŋ ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

lazy

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

Synonyms

dawdle, idle, laze, lollygag, lounge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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; you’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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "loafing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vadiagem

🇮🇳 आलस्य

🇩🇪 Faulenzen

🇮🇩 bermalas-malasan

🇺🇦 ледарство

🇵🇱 leniuchowanie

🇯🇵 怠けること

🇫🇷 paresse

🇪🇸 holgazanería

🇹🇷 tembellik

🇰🇷 게으름

🇸🇦 كسل

🇨🇿 lenošení

🇸🇰 lenošenie

🇨🇳 懒惰

🇸🇮 lenarjenje

🇮🇸 leti

🇰🇿 жалқаулық

🇬🇪 ზარმაცობა

🇦🇿 tənbəllik

🇲🇽 holgazanería

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.

...
27326 propitiate
27327 uremic
27328 hijacked
27329 loafing
27330 inoculating
27331 replanted
27332 optimistically
...