lollygag

verb

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lol·ly·gag | \ ˈlä-lē-ˌgag

variants: or less commonly lallygag

lollygagged also lallygagged; lollygagging also lallygagging; lollygags also lallygags

Definition of lollygag

intransitive verb

informal

: to fool around and waste time : dawdle Stop lollygagging and get to work. We were slow because the girl was lollygagging, the photographer was photographing, and I was on crutches.— James Robison The first author he'd chosen was lollygagging on his manuscript, so it was my chance.— Neal Pollack … rally the team of lallygagging lawmakers … — The Hightower Lowdown

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Did you know?

Since the 19th century, lollygag (sometimes also spelled lallygag) has been used as a slang word to describe acts of wasting time as well as displays of affection. Nowadays, lollygag doesn't usually refer to flirting or cuddling, but back in 1946, one Navy captain considered lollygagging enough of a problem to issue this stern warning: "Lovemaking and lollygagging are hereby strictly forbidden.... The holding of hands, osculation and constant embracing of WAVES [Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service], corpsmen or civilians and sailors or any combination of male and female personnel is a violation of naval discipline...."