2

I need a word to describe going out and doing something, which is thought through but not necessarily fully planned.

Like all of a sudden thinking "I want to go to a club" while sitting on your couch, then going out and just doing it.

A contextual example will be:

You're doing nothing and want to do something. You're presented with a list of possible chooses that may interest you. You pick one, and just do it.

8
  • Does embark work for you? Mar 4, 2015 at 15:32
  • In most "normal" contexts we'd simply use several words (as in your own going out and doing it, or putting it into practice, getting on with it, etc.). If you insist on a single word, you might consider actioning it, but you're well into "biz-speak" jargon there. Mar 4, 2015 at 15:33
  • 1
    Welcome to ELU, Darren. When you get a moment click on this Link and take the TOUR and also click on the HELP button on the right-side of the title bar and check–out the “help center”, if you haven’t already done so. There’s a lot to learn about this site, such as how to ask good questions and provide good answers, all about rep and site privileges. It’s well worth looking around. Anyway, you’re off to a good start. Enjoy the site and we’ll see you around, so to speak. :-)
    – user98990
    Mar 4, 2015 at 15:42
  • 1
    Thanks Eva :) I think I need to update the question with better context.
    – Darren
    Mar 4, 2015 at 15:53
  • 2
    Your title looks for a word for going out, but your question and contextual example make it sound like going out is just one possible example, while the suddenness and lack of forethought of the decision are the key elements of your desired term (something like a "spur-of-the-moment" or "off-the-cuff" decision).
    – Hellion
    Mar 4, 2015 at 16:20

3 Answers 3

2

Gallivant:

  1. : to travel, roam, or move about for pleasure

It has some diverging connotations, but it does include idle roaming without a productive purpose:

Gallivant. g is a fine old word, meaning, in the words of the Oxford English Dictionary, "to gad about in a showy fashion, [especially] with persons of the other sex." To gad means "to wander around idly," so gallivanting translates more or less as "wandering around flirting"...


www.merriam-webster.com

Making Whoopee: Words of Love for Lovers of Words

1

As Bilbo Baggins was fond of telling his young nephew, “It's a dangerous business, Frodo, [venturing] out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

VENTURE noun 1. A risky or daring journey or undertaking: "pioneering ventures into little-known waters"

VENTURE verb 1. Dare to do something or go somewhere that may be dangerous or unpleasant: "she ventured out into the blizzard"

Origin Late Middle English (in the sense 'adventure', also 'risk the loss of'): shortening of adventure.

Phrases: at a venture 1. archaic Trusting to chance rather than to previous consideration or preparation: "a man drew a bow at a venture". see, Oxford English Dictionary venture

-2

'running an errand' can be considered. Free dictionary states the following 1. a short trip to accomplish a specific purpose, as to buy or deliver something or to convey a message, often for someone else. 2. the purpose of such a trip. 3. a special mission entrusted to a messenger; commission.

9
  • The connotation of "running an errand" doesn't jive well with the example provided, that of going to a club.
    – Paul Rowe
    Mar 4, 2015 at 17:11
  • Errands are usually planned, and not fun (like going to a club would be)
    – AlannaRose
    Mar 4, 2015 at 17:12
  • errand being 'short' is usually unplanned. I don't know if 'fun' component is mandatory as per the original question. Mar 5, 2015 at 4:31
  • @Paul - Unless the context is dancing or playing a horn, the expression meaning “to agree with” or “to fit in” is to jibe with. Where do you hail from, Paul?
    – user98990
    Mar 5, 2015 at 4:48
  • @LittleEva Nice catch. I've only heard the word said and never caught that it was "jibe", not "jive".
    – Paul Rowe
    Mar 5, 2015 at 15:07

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.