Definition of the word fuck around

The exact origin of the phrase "fuck around" is unclear and subject to debate. However, the word "fuck" itself is believed to have originated from the Middle English "fucke," which referred to the act of defecation. This usage can be traced back to the 15th century. Over time, the meaning of the word "fuck" evolved to encompass a range of other meanings, including sexual intercourse, insults, and general expletives. It's believed that the expression "fuck around" emerged from this latter usage, where "around" was added to denote a general sense of recklessness, mischief, or wasting time. Some scholars believe that the specific phrase "fuck around" entered the English lexicon during the 1930s or 1940s, and may have been popularized by American sailors in the Navy. This theory is supported by the fact that other Navy-related slang, such as "ship's company" and "cold deck," were adopted into mainstream usage during this time. Regardless of its origins, the phrase "fuck around" is now widely understood to mean to waste time on frivolous or unimportant activities, often in a playful or lighthearted context. It has become so prevalent in modern English that it has been incorporated into popular culture, from music and film to everyday speech.