Horseplay: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿคผโ€โ™‚๏ธ
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horseplay

 

[ hษ”หrspleษช ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น brincadeira

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค˜เคธเฅ€เคŸเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Tollen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bermain kasar

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะพััƒะณ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ harce

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใตใ–ใ‘

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท farce

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ juego brusco

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ลŸakalaลŸma

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์žฅ๋‚œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู„ุนุจ ุตุงุฎุจ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hra

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hranie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฌ‰ๆˆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ igra

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ leikur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะพะนั‹ะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ—แƒแƒ›แƒแƒจแƒแƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ oyun

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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 anotherโ€”often 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.