Definition of the word bang around

The expression "bang around" originated in the mid-1800s and has its roots in nautical language. It originally referred to the sound of objects being knocked about and bumped around inside a ship as it sailed through rough waters. On a ship, cargo and equipment would be tightly secured in storage areas called holds. However, during stormy weather, the motion of the vessel could cause these items to shift and collide with each other, making noticeable clanging sounds. The sound of these objects banging around became known as "banging around." Eventually, the expression was adopted by landlubbers and began to be used metaphorically to describe activities or situations where things are being moved or jostled around without precision or control. Today, "bang around" is commonly used to refer to organizing or tidying up in a disorderly manner, especially when there is no clear plan or structure in place. In summary, "bang around" is a nautical term that evolved to describe the sound of objects moving and colliding inside a ship during rough seas. Its use has since spread to everyday language to describe disorganized or chaotic activities on land.