Horseplay: meaning, definitions and examples
๐คผโโ๏ธ
horseplay
[ hษหrspleษช ]
playful behavior
Horseplay refers to rough, boisterous, or energetic play that often involves physical activity. It typically occurs among children or young adults and can include activities like wrestling or playful fighting. While horseplay can be fun and entertaining, it poses a risk of accidents or injuries, especially if done in a confined space. It is generally regarded as less serious than fighting but can still lead to unwanted consequences.
Synonyms
frolicking, mischief, play, roughhousing, tomfoolery
Examples of usage
- The kids were engaged in some horseplay on the playground.
- During the party, the guests enjoyed a bit of horseplay that soon got out of hand.
- Horseplay is common among young boys during recess.
- Be careful with that horseplay; you might hurt someone!
- The football team often indulged in horseplay during practice.
Translations
Translations of the word "horseplay" in other languages:
๐ต๐น brincadeira
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคธเฅเคเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Tollen
๐ฎ๐ฉ bermain kasar
๐บ๐ฆ ะดะพััะณ
๐ต๐ฑ harce
๐ฏ๐ต ใตใใ
๐ซ๐ท farce
๐ช๐ธ juego brusco
๐น๐ท ลakalaลma
๐ฐ๐ท ์ฅ๋
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุนุจ ุตุงุฎุจ
๐จ๐ฟ hra
๐ธ๐ฐ hranie
๐จ๐ณ ๅฌๆ
๐ธ๐ฎ igra
๐ฎ๐ธ leikur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะพะนัะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแจแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ oyun
๐ฒ๐ฝ juego ruidoso
Etymology
The term 'horseplay' combines 'horse' and 'play' and has its origins in the 19th century. The word 'horse' in this context likely refers to the animal's often rough, energetic nature, which is reflective of the kind of boisterous play that the term describes. The first known use of 'horseplay' dates back to around the 1850s. Originally, the term may have referenced playful antics reminiscent of how horses interact with one anotherโoften physically and raucously. Over time, the term evolved and became widely accepted as a descriptor for playful yet rough activities among people, especially children. The playful but sometimes dangerous aspect of horseplay has led to its cautionary use in various contexts, particularly as a warning against the potential for injury.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #32,880 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
- ...
- 32877 lisping
- 32878 unbridgeable
- 32879 shambling
- 32880 horseplay
- 32881 electrocuted
- 32882 overestimating
- 32883 rattler
- ...