Bugger about Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3British Colloquialism Mainly used in the UK, may not be understood elsewhere. When I was in the States, no one got it when I said I was 'buggering about' in the shop. Pro Tip 2/3Informal Setting Suitable for casual conversations, not in formal situations. Chatting with mates, you can say 'I’ve just been buggering about all day.' Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation Often expresses irritation or disapproval at wasting time. The boss noticed Sam was buggering about instead of finishing reports.