displacement activity

First mentions in 1940 by two Dutch researchers Nikolaas Tinbergen and Adriaan Kortlandt

displacement activity (plural displacement activities)

1. (psychology) Aimless, often self-comforting behavior displayed when in doubt, blocked or frustrated.
2. (more broadly) Something done needlessly when procrastinating.

   At last week’s meeting of Infantino’s expanded Fifa Council – the world’s best attended displacement activity – there was instead much discussion of the proposal to bulk up football’s flagship tournament to 40 or 48 teams.

• escapism