How to Pronounce "mess about"
expression
ˈmɛs/ /əˈbaʊt
MESS uh-BOWT
mˈɛs/ /ɐbˈaʊt
MESS uh-BOWT
Definition
To behave in a silly way, waste time doing unimportant things, or play around instead of working or being serious.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈmɛs/ /əˈbaʊt
British English
mˈɛs/ /ɐbˈaʊt
Simplified Pronunciation
US
MESS uh-BOWT
UK
MESS uh-BOWT
Listen in Context
Stop messing about and do your homework.
The children like to mess about in the garden after school.
He always messes about during meetings.
We were just messing about, nothing serious.