futz

American  

[fuhts] / fʌts /

verb (used without object)

1. to pass time in idleness (usually followed byaround ).

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noun

1. a fool; simpleton.

verb phrase

1. futz (around) with to handle or deal with, especially idly, reluctantly, or as a time-consuming task.

   I spent all day futzing with those file folders.

Etymology

Origin of futz

First recorded in 1905–10; apparently a euphemism for fuck;

Example Sentences

More important: AI gives you easier access to settings, so you don’t have to futz with menus.

From The Wall Street Journal

You can futz with the bread, you can gild the cheese, but if the core is bland or watery or vaguely funereal, the whole enterprise collapses.

From Salon

Wednesday’s obsession with her writing and her continued futzing with her novel isn’t a minor detail that’s dropped in for character color and then forgotten.

From Salon

His act was never scripted and usually wild — falling on tables, walking onto the stage, futzing with the microphone stand and leaving.

From Los Angeles Times

I futzed a bit and found a volume control that was dialed down, so I made an adjustment and asked Obadia to call her sister’s phone.

From Los Angeles Times