Charlie Brooker

The majority of people are perfectly capable of interacting with retail staff without spitting on them or whipping their hides like dawdling cattle, but Planet Earth still harbours more than its fair share of disappointments.

English Critic

Alan Furst

The 1930s was a funny time. People knew they might not live for another six months, so if they were attracted to one another, there was no time to dawdle.

American Author

Amy Bloom

My writing process, such as it is, consists of a lot of noodling, procrastinating, dawdling, and avoiding.

American Writer

Dawdle often suggests procrastination or avoidable delay, which can be seen as negative.

Negative Implication

It implies moving or acting slower than necessary, especially when hurrying is expected.

Slowness

When someone says 'Don't dawdle,' they are often implying a mild sense of urgency.

Subtle Urgency

Highlights the absence of rush or urgency, a very relaxed approach to activities.

Leisurely Activity

Dawdle can convey that someone is enjoying their time, often leisurely.

Enjoying Time

It may suggest a lack of clear objective or purpose in what someone is doing.

Lack of Goal

 and protection from harsh winds in winter. The whole operation requires weeks of strict planning, liaising with the other camps in her domain, strategic delegation – and the patience to move at the speed of dawdling animals. Today is moving day,

A day in the life of a...

 I am lackadaisical, I dawdle and I dillydally. I am also unflappable, languid, stoic, impassive, sluggish, lethargic, placid, calm, mellow, laid-back and, well, slothful!