gamberrear

Senses

1. 1.

   to play pranks or act foolishly

   to engage in mischievous or silly behavior; to act the fool

2. 2.

   to behave outrageously or disrespectfully

   to act impertinently or with rude boldness

Examples

• "Los niños no dejan de gamberrear en clase."

  The kids won't stop clowning around in class.

• "Dejó de gamberrear y empezó a trabajar en serio."

  He stopped fooling around and started working seriously.

• "No gamberre​s en el examen; necesitas concentrarte."

  Don't mess around during the exam; you need to concentrate.

Usage

This verb is informal and colloquial, commonly used in Spain. It implies not just playfulness but often a lack of seriousness or respect in the context where it's used. Often appears with reflexive or object pronouns in negative constructions.