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Horseplay - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Horseplay refers to rough, noisy, or boisterous play, often involving physical activity like wrestling or chasing. It is usually lighthearted but can sometimes lead to accidents if uncontrolled.

horseplay

/ˈhɔrsˌpleɪ/ /ˈhɔːsˌpleɪ/

Definition:

Rough, noisy, or boisterous play, often involving physical activity.

Synonyms:

roughhousing, clowning around, tomfoolery, shenanigans

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

seriousness, solemnity

Common Collocations:

engage in horseplay, stop horseplay, classroom horseplay

Derivatives:

horseplayer (rare), horseplaying (gerund)

Usage Tips:

Use "horseplay" to describe playful but rowdy behavior, often in informal settings like schools or workplaces.

Common Phrases:

no horseplay allowed, too much horseplay, harmless horseplay

Etymology:

Originates from "horse" (suggesting roughness) + "play," first recorded in the 16th century.

Examples:

  • 1. The children were warned not to engage in horseplay near the pool.
  • 2. Horseplay during class can distract other students and disrupt learning.
  • 3. The supervisor stopped the workers' horseplay to prevent accidents in the warehouse.
  • 4. Their harmless horseplay turned into a minor argument when someone got hurt.

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