The phrase “dick around” is informal, a bit crude, and very common in everyday conversation—especially when people are frustrated or trying to be blunt. So what does it actually mean?

The Basic Meaning

To “dick around” means to waste time, avoid responsibility, or engage in pointless or unproductive activity. It’s often used to describe someone who isn’t taking things seriously, is goofing off, or is just aimlessly killing time instead of getting something done.

Examples:

• “We were supposed to start the project an hour ago, but he’s still dicking around.”
• “Stop dicking around and help me with this.”

The Tone Behind It

The phrase almost always carries a negative tone—annoyance, impatience, or a sense of urgency. If someone tells you to “stop dicking around,” they’re not just saying you’re off-task—they’re probably frustrated that you’re not taking the situation seriously.

That said, it can also be used more casually or even jokingly between friends, depending on the tone and context.

Where It Comes From

The phrase has been around since at least the mid-20th century. “Dick” is used here as a slang verb meaning to mess around or act foolishly. While it’s considered vulgar in some circles, it’s widely understood in English-speaking countries, especially in the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Australia.

Similar Alternatives

If you want to say the same thing in a less crude way, you might use:

• Messing around
• Goofing off
• Wasting time
• Not taking it seriously

Final Thoughts

To “dick around” means you’re not getting things done—and the people around you usually notice. Whether you’re using the phrase or someone’s using it on you, it’s a reminder that maybe it’s time to stop stalling and get to work.