What does palling mean?
Palling means spending time with someone as a friend or forming a friendship with them. In contemporary English it is used chiefly as the present participle of the informal verb “pal,” most often in the phrase “palling around with.” Its tone is friendly, casual, and often suggests an activity undertaken for enjoyment or sociability. Although the related noun “pal” is now common in informal British and American English, “palling” is less frequent as a standalone form and can sound somewhat old-fashioned when used without “around” or “with.” A typical use, such as “We spent the evening palling around at the café,” presents friendship as relaxed and informal. The word is therefore useful chiefly in conversational writing and speech, rather than in formal, technical, or academic contexts.
verb (present participle)To befriend someone or form a friendship with someone. It is usually used in the form “palling around with,” meaning spending time with someone as a friend.
- To befriend someone or form a friendship with someone.
"She spent the afternoon palling around with her old school friends."
"I spent the afternoon palling around with old friends."
"The hosts spent most of the evening palling with their guests."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does palling come from?
The present participle “palling” was formed from the informal noun and verb “pal.” The word first became established in British English during the early 19th century, and its ultimate source is uncertain; it is commonly linked to a Romani word meaning “brother” or fellow community member. The form “palling” subsequently developed as the grammatical present participle of the verb.
Related word forms
How palling is actually used
Palling is informal and now occurs chiefly as the present participle of “pal.” The expression “palling around” is especially common in conversation and may suggest a relaxed, sociable activity rather than a serious purpose.
Easily confused with palling
Palling means spending time as a friend, whereas paling can refer to a fence made from pointed wooden stakes or, as a verb, to becoming pale.