horseplay
2 antonyms for horseplay — opposites grouped by meaning.
Noun — Rough, boisterous physical play — pushing, wrestling, chasing and mock fighting — carried on for fun but with a real chance of somebody getting hurt or something getting broken.
Antonyms
decorum
orderly behaviour
How to use horseplay
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
no horseplay
engage in horseplay
horseplay in the workplace
injured during horseplay
Neutral but disapproving in tone, and it is the standard term in workplace safety rules and insurance claims. Uncountable — never 'a horseplay'.
Etymology
From horse plus play. Horse was long used as an intensifier meaning 'large, coarse or rough', as in horseradish and horse laugh.
Full origin of horseplay →Frequently asked questions
What does “horseplay” mean?
The word “horseplay” means rough, boisterous play or messing around, sometimes leading to accidental injury. In plain terms, rowdy, physical fooling around, often among friends or kids.
What is the difference between horseplay and bullying?
Horseplay is mutual and everyone taking part is willing, even if it turns out badly. Bullying is one-sided and aimed at a person who wants it to stop, so the same shove can be either, depending entirely on consent.
How do you use “horseplay” in a sentence?
Here is “horseplay” used in a sentence: “The teacher told the boys to cut out the horseplay before someone got hurt.”
Why does 'horse' mean rough in horseplay?
In older English, horse was attached to words to mean coarse, large or crude — the same logic gives horseradish and horse laugh. Horseplay is therefore literally 'coarse play'.
What part of speech is “horseplay”?
“Horseplay” is a noun.
Why do workplaces ban horseplay?
Because it causes a steady stream of injuries around machinery, ladders and vehicles, and because injuries from it can complicate liability and insurance. Most safety policies name horseplay explicitly for that reason.
