Bandy around is a phrase that means to discuss or talk about something casually or without much thought. It is spelled as /ˈbændi əˈraʊnd/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable is pronounced as "ban" with a short 'a' sound followed by a 'd' sound. The second syllable is pronounced as "dee" with a short 'i' sound followed by a 'y' sound. The word 'around' is pronounced as usual. The pronunciation and spelling of this phrase can be tricky, so it's important to practice saying it correctly.
Bandy around is a phrasal verb that is commonly used in informal contexts. It refers to the act of discussing or mentioning an idea, opinion, or suggestion in a casual or careless manner, often without serious consideration or without intending to take any action. It entails tossing or throwing an idea back and forth between individuals, often without reaching a final decision or conclusion.
The term "bandy around" implies a lack of seriousness or commitment towards the idea being discussed. It typically denotes a degree of informality, with the emphasis on the ease and frequency with which the idea is mentioned or passed around among people. It is often used when ideas are raised in conversation, meetings, or debates for the purpose of generating discussion or exploring possibilities, rather than for making concrete plans or decisions.
The phrase can also imply a certain degree of triviality or superficiality, suggesting that the idea is not being considered in a deep or thorough manner. It can sometimes be used to criticize or dismiss an idea by implying that it is being discussed or mentioned without sufficient thought or consideration of the potential consequences.
In summary, "bandy around" refers to discussing or mentioning an idea in a casual, careless, or superficial way, without a serious commitment or intention to take action.
The phrase "bandy around" is believed to have originated in the early 17th century, deriving from the verb "bandy" and the adverb "around". The term "bandy" itself can be traced back to the Middle French word "bander", which means "to strike back and forth" or "to toss from one hand to another". In its early usage, "bandy" was employed to describe a game similar to field hockey, played with a curved stick. Over time, it came to convey the notion of "to toss or bounce back and forth" both in a literal and figurative sense. Eventually, the phrase "bandy around" developed, signifying the act of discussing or arguing about something in a casual or nonchalant manner, as if passing it back and forth between different speakers.