Definition of the word arse around

The expression "arse around" is a British slang phrase that checks its roots back to the 1960s. It's an informal and humorous way of describing someone who behaves in a frivolous, careless, or wasteful manner. The term "arse" in this case is a slang term for the rear end or buttocks. As for the origin of the phrase, it can be speculated that "arse around" is a simplification of the earlier expression "make a mess of," which came from the 1940s and 50s. Making a mess of something could be interpreted as causing confusion or disorder, resulting in actions that are chaotic or unproductive. It's possible that the phrase "make a mess of" became associated with disorderly or ridiculous actions in the buttocks area. After all, the anatomy of the buttocks area is prone to accidents and things falling out of pockets. Punishments involving being bent over in spanking and caning also add to the association. Overall, the phrase "arse around" evolved as a more succinct and more straightforward expression to describe someone who appears to be indulging in light-hearted and purposeless frolick. It offers an amusing punch to the slang repertoire of any language and remains a commonly used idiom in British English.