hang around
Spend time idly, loiter, as in Every afternoon they could be found hanging around the mall. [Mid-1800s] Also see hang out, def. 4.
Keep company or consort with someone, as in The younger campers loved to hang around the older ones. [Mid-1800s] Also see hang out, def. 5.
Words nearby hang around
MORE ABOUT HANG AROUND
What does hang around mean?
Hang around means to lounge or linger or to spend time with someone.
If you are hanging around a place, you’re passing time there without doing much, as in My job as a mall security guard meant I spent most of my time hanging around the mall.
If you are hanging around another person, you are keeping them company, as in I like to hang around with my friends on the weekend.
Example: We spent most of our summer vacation hanging around the lake and relaxing.
Where does hang around come from?
The first records of hang around come from the mid-1800s. It combines the words hang, meaning “to attach to allow free movement,” and around, meaning “somewhere near or about.”
Sometimes, hang around implies that a person is unwelcome, is up to no good, or is a trespasser. For example, someone might say I saw some suspicious men hanging around the bank.
A similar negative sense is implied when a person uses hang around in reference to people or a group they don’t like, as in Son, I don’t want you hanging around those slick business types. You can’t trust them!
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What are some synonyms for hang around?
What are some words that share a root or word element with hang around?
What are some words that often get used in discussing hang around?
How is hang around used in real life?
Hang around is a common phrase that means to spend time somewhere or with someone.
Getting paid to hang around the mall for six hours. There's no one here!
— Tyler Thompson (@curseofmight) December 21, 2011
Started running the vacuum this morning and the dog went upstairs and back to bed. She's been hanging around the kids too long.
— Vicki (@Vyckster) October 4, 2010
Great win tonight!! Thanks to everybody who hung around after to hang out with me! #7inarow
— Chandler Parsons (@ChandlerParsons) February 13, 2014
Try using hang around!
True or False?
If you are hanging around with your sister, you are avoiding each other.