Lollygag: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in an informal or playful setting to describe someone who is wasting time or being lazy.

• Stop lollygagging and help me with these boxes
• The kids were lollygagging around the park instead of going home

Used when someone is moving slowly or wasting time, often when they should be doing something important or moving faster.

• We don't have all day, don't dawdle
• He dawdled over breakfast, making us late for school

Often used to describe someone who stays in a place without a clear purpose, sometimes implying suspicion or unwelcome presence.

• No loitering allowed near the entrance
• Teenagers were loitering in front of the shop

Describes someone or something that is inactive or not working. Can have a slightly negative connotation indicating laziness or lack of purpose.

• He spent the afternoon idling by the river
• The factory has been idle for months

Used when someone is delaying or postponing something, especially something that needs to be done. It has a negative connotation implying avoidance of responsibilities.

• He procrastinated on his assignments until the last minute
• Don't procrastinate; start your project early

Lollygag is often used in informal situations to describe someone wasting time or being silly when they should be doing something more productive. It has a playful tone.

• Stop lollygagging and get back to work!
• We spent the afternoon lollygagging by the lake.

Idler is used to describe someone who avoids work or is habitually lazy. It's more formal than 'lollygag' and can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

• He was known as an idler who never held a steady job.
• On Sundays, he becomes a happy idler, enjoying his well-earned rest.

Loafer generally refers to someone who avoids work or is lazy, and it often carries a negative connotation. It can also refer to a type of shoe, but in this context, it describes a person's behavior.

• The boss accused him of being a loafer for his lack of effort.
• Instead of helping out, he just loafs around all day.

Slacker is used in informal contexts to describe someone who avoids responsibilities or does not work hard. It usually has a negative connotation.

• He's such a slacker, never finishing his tasks on time.
• The team was frustrated with the slackers who hindered their progress.