What does "Horsing Around" Mean?

The English idiom “horsing around” refers to boisterous, silly play, especially play with a child-like aspect. This may also be referred to as horseplay, using a closely related term. This type of play tends to be improvised and spontaneous, and it can be engaged in by people of all ages, from young children to mischievous adults. People often use the term affectionately, although it may also be used as a form of castigation, as in “kids, quit horsing around!”

People first started using the term “horseplay” in the late 1500s. It appears to be linked to the concept of young horses at play. Colts and fillies tend to play hard and rough, especially when they are turned out to pasture, and many people enjoy watching young horses at play as they explore the outside world. Applying the description of “horseplay” to young children at play was probably only natural, given that both children and young horses exhibit a great deal of curiosity and love for having fun when they are around their fellows.

Horsing around usually involves a physical aspect. People may develop elaborate games, or simply engage in mock tussles and fake fights which promote bonding while also building strength and dexterity. Objects may also be involved in horseplay, especially if they can be used cooperatively. For example, people may play a modified version of a ball game with a large inflatable ball in the back yard.

In addition to being a good form of exercise for people of all ages, horsing around also appears to confer some mental health benefits. Play, laughter, and having fun all seem to promote a more even, calm, and happy mental state. For people who are severely stressed, a bit of play can help to relieve tension and unhappiness, especially when it involves friends. Playgrounds for children are often designed to promote horsing around, with an environment which is as safe as possible so that children will not injure themselves.

Some people never lose their taste for horsing around, taking opportunities to play whenever they get an opportunity to do so. Others may channel their enjoyment of horseplay into something like physical comedy, improvisational sketches, or the development of more disciplined martial arts, yoga, and other activities. Although some societies frown upon play among adults, kicking up one's heels now and then can actually be a very beneficial activity.