I hated the word "Play"

Play was normal when we were kids. We were used to hearing the word. 

We’d play with cars, we’d play video games, we’d play outside. 

At some point, the word “play” felt cringe. It felt childish. I didn’t like saying it. 

It felt weird to ask someone to “play wii” or “play soccer.” 

I can’t remember at what point this switch happened, but I think it was sometime around middle school. We were all obsessed with looking cool. A word associated with fun turned into a word that made me cringe. Middle schoolers didn’t play. 

My friends bought the word back about a year ago. We started having playtime. It started off as a joke, something someone said when they wanted to be silly. And now we embrace it. It’s a way of communicating you want to be fun and silly with the friend group, no judgement. We schedule playtime regularly. 

I don’t hate the word “play” anymore. Play brings me closer to my friends.

By Marina Carey

Majors: Media and Culture, Entrepreneurship Co-Major
Hometown: Grove City, OH

Fun Fact: I’ve gone to over different 30 concerts in the past 18 months.