What it means
To go wandering about for fun instead of doing what you said you’d do. It’s got a slightly cheeky, carefree vibe, like you’re off having adventures while the laundry piles up. Often used with a telling-off tone, especially from parents or partners, as if your responsibilities are sat at home tapping their foot.
Usage examples
"Mum rang like, Where’ve you been gallivanting? I’ve been down the harbour with the lads, forgot the shopping, and now the kettle’s on the warpath."
"My daughter's been gallivanting around Europe all summer while I've been holding the fort at home."
"You can't go gallivanting off to the pub when you've got an essay due in the morning."
"He said he was popping out for milk and ended up gallivanting round Camden till midnight."
"Stop gallivanting about with your mates and get back here, your tea's gone cold and the dog's losing faith in you."
Where it comes from
Gallivanting comes from gallivant, which showed up in English in the early 19th century. It grew out of gallant, first tied to flashy flirting and swanning about for pleasure. Over time it widened into roaming around for fun in general, but it kept that cheeky little side-eye that says you probably should've been elsewhere.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
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