Frolicker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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frolicker

[ˈfrɒlɪkər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

playful behavior

A frolicker is someone who engages in playful, lively, or merry activities. This term is often associated with joyous, carefree behavior, often in a natural or outdoor setting.

Synonyms

joyous person, merrymaker, playmate.

Examples of usage

  • The children were frolickers, running and playing in the sunny meadow.
  • As a frolicker, she spent her weekends exploring parks and enjoying nature.
  • The puppies were little frolickers, chasing each other around the yard.
  • During the festival, the frolickers filled the streets with laughter and cheer.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's comedies, characters often engage in frolicking, highlighting themes of joy and spontaneity.
  • Many children's books feature frolickers as characters, representing innocence and carefree joy.
  • Frolicking often symbolizes freedom in literature, where characters escape societal constraints.

Pop Culture

  • Frolicker is commonly used in movies or animations to depict happy animals, like bunnies or puppies, in playful scenes.
  • Various children's songs celebrate frolicking, capturing the essence of fun and playfulness.
  • In video games, frolickers can be found as joyful NPCs that help create a light-hearted atmosphere.

Psychology

  • Engaging in frolicking activities promotes happiness, reducing stress and enhancing mood.
  • Playful behavior, like frolicking, has been shown to improve social bonds and relationships.
  • Psychologists emphasize the importance of play in adulthood, linking frolicking to creativity and emotional well-being.

Nature

  • Animals often frolic, especially in their natural habitats, signaling health and happiness.
  • Frolicking behavior in nature is often a way for young animals to learn essential survival skills.
  • The sight of frolicking wildlife can evoke feelings of joy and connection to the natural world.

Origin of 'frolicker'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'frolicke', meaning lively or merry.
  • It is believed to have Dutch origins, related to ' vrolijk', which means 'cheerful' or 'merry'.
  • Frolicker entered the English language around the late 16th century, expanding the playful essence of 'frolic'.

The word 'frolicker' originates from the Middle Dutch word 'vrolijk', meaning 'merry or joyful'. The term evolved through the Old Dutch 'vrolik', which conveyed a sense of being cheerful or lively. It became popular in English literature during the 17th century, particularly in poetry and prose that described pastoral scenes and playful activities. The addition of the suffix '-er' indicates a person who engages in the action of 'frolicking,' emphasizing the spirited nature of the activities. Over time, 'frolicker' has come to represent not just playfulness but also a sense of freedom associated with being outdoors and enjoying life without worries.