Phrasal verb
kid around
Definition
phrasal verb. to joke with someone or act in a silly way instead of being serious.
phrasal verb. to engage in lighthearted teasing or to behave in a playful, non-serious manner. The verb is typically intransitive.
Examples
“I'm just kidding around; don't be angry.”
“The team likes to kid around during lunch, but they are very focused once they get back to their desks.”
“While the atmosphere in the laboratory was generally austere, the researchers would occasionally kid around to alleviate the stress of the looming deadline.”
Examples
simple
“I'm just kidding around; don't be angry.”
contextual
“The team likes to kid around during lunch, but they are very focused once they get back to their desks.”
complex
“While the atmosphere in the laboratory was generally austere, the researchers would occasionally kid around to alleviate the stress of the looming deadline.”
Usage
usually used without a direct object to describe a general behavior or mood.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'make fun of' (which can be mean) and 'joke' (more general); 'kidding around' implies a harmless, playful atmosphere.
Pitfall
He was kidding around me.
He was kidding around with me.
when mentioning the person being teased, the preposition 'with' is required.
Phrasal verb
Particles
around
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
kid + around
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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