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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Compare playful words for dawdling, lingering, and browsing—and notice how they can sound critical.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcript“Lollygag” and “dillydally” describe moving or acting slowly and wasting time, often while avoiding an unpleasant task. “Dawdle” is a more familiar synonym; “linger” means stay longer than necessary, and “browse” means look around casually. Calling someone a lollygagger or dillydallier may offend them.
Cultural note: “Lollygag” and “dillydally” are informal, playful-sounding words, but they can criticize someone for being slow or wasting time. “Browse” is neutral; it does not imply laziness. Choose the softer word if someone is simply looking around.
Keep exploringA person may call it browsing; a friend may call it dawdling. These colorful words describe slow action, but the tone can sting.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Describe delay or slow action with colorful informal verbs.
Meaning
Spend time doing something slowly or playfully instead of getting on with a task.
Tone & use
Informal, playful-sounding, and often critical. It may accuse someone of wasting time.
Example
“We can look at the market after lunch, but let’s not lollygag before our appointment.”
Meaning
Move or act slowly, delaying what needs to be done.
Tone & use
Informal and often used as a direct complaint or warning: “Stop dillydallying.”
Example
“The team stopped dillydallying and sent the forms before the office closed.”
Meaning
Spend time wastefully or move slowly without purpose.
Tone & use
More familiar than “lollygag” or “dillydally,” but it can still sound critical.
Example
“If we dawdle at every shop, we will miss the bus.”
Use neutral language for casually exploring options.
Meaning
Stay somewhere or continue doing something longer than necessary.
Tone & use
Often neutral; it does not automatically imply laziness or avoidance.
Example
“We lingered by the window to enjoy the view before leaving.”
Meaning
Look casually through items or information to see what interests you.
Tone & use
Neutral and common in stores, libraries, and online. Browsing is not the same as wasting time.
Example
“I browsed the bookstore while I waited for my friend.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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