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The meaning and usage of the phrase

while away my old age

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To "while away" a period of time is to pass it pleasantly and unremarkably. You might "while away an afternoon" reading, or "while away the summer" going for walks.

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According to the SOED 'while' as a verb has the meaning to pass through a vacant time. I was surprised to see that usage recorded (as long ago as 1635) because I had always thought that in that context the word was 'wile'.

The SOED records that spelling in that context in 1796.

Given a choice, I think that 'while' as a verb is confusing, and would use 'wile' but anyone can choose whichever spelling they prefer.

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  • That would have the problem of leaving your readers reaching for their dictionary. After all, that spelling seems more likely to evoke a never-used singular of "wiles" than the phrase "while away" that is very common.
    – SamBC
    Feb 2, 2019 at 1:21

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