disport
verb

- to amuse oneself in a light, frolicsome manner; to display oneself sportively

- to divert or amuse (oneself); to sport or frolic; to enjoy oneself in a lively way

- to enjoy yourself, especially by doing physical activity

Merriam-Webster, Oxford English Dictionary, Cambridge Dictionary

— 
WORD ORIGIN

The word "disport" entered Middle English in the 14th century from Anglo-French desporter, which combined des- (away) with porter (to carry), from Latin portare. The literal meaning was "to carry oneself away" from work or serious matters—essentially, to be "carried away" by entertainment or amusement.

Geoffrey Chaucer was among the earliest English writers to use the verb in his works. Over time, English speakers shortened "disport" to simply "sport," which became our common word for games and recreational activities.

Interestingly, Spanish retained the fuller form as deporte, their word for sport.

Other members of the portare family include transport (carry across), portable (able to be carried), deport (carry away), and the nautical term portage (carrying a boat overland).

— 
ANIMALS HAVING FUN

1. Locomotor Play (Acrobatic or Rhythmic Movement)
Perhaps the most straightforward type of "disporting." It involves movements that are often exaggerated, bouncy, or rhythmic, and appear to be purely for the joy of movement or to practice motor skills.
- Dolphins and Whales: famous for breaching (leaping entirely out of the water) and wave-riding. While breaching can sometimes be communicative, much of the time it seems to be purely for fun.
- Dogs/Wolves: the "zoomies" (sudden bursts of frantic, aimless running) or puppies tumbling over each other and chasing their tails fall into this category.
- Primates (Monkeys and Apes): Swinging, chasing, and elaborate tumbling sequences through the trees or on the ground.

2. Object Play (Interaction with Inanimate Items)
Involving manipulating, tossing, or carrying objects that are not food or nesting material. It is thought to help develop dexterity, problem-solving skills, and coordination.
- Cats/Kittens: batting, chasing, and pouncing on things like leaves, twigs, or small, non-prey items.
- Otters: juggling small stones with their paws, a clear example of disporting with an object.
- Corvids (Crows, Ravens): sliding down snowy roofs or slopes, or dropping and catching objects repeatedly in the air.

3. Social Play (Play Fighting and Chasing)
The most complex form of disporting, involving signaling to another individual that the interaction is not serious. It is crucial for developing social bonds, communication skills, and establishing social hierarchies without actual aggression.
- Dogs: the most recognized signal is the play bow (front legs down, rear end up), which is a clear invitation to "disport" or engage in play fighting.
- Big Cats (Cubs): mock stalking, pouncing, and batting at each other that mimics hunting but without the intent to injure.
- Cattle, Goats, and Sheep (Juveniles): head-butting, rearing up, and chasing each other.

While it might seem like a waste of energy, play is believed to be crucial for an animal's development and long-term survival,… allowing it to hone its skills in a safe environment for when the real, serious challenges of survival arise.

Helga & Paul Smith

—
SYNONYMS

amuse oneself, blow off steam, caper, cavort, DISPORT, divert/entertain oneself, fool around, frolic, gambol, goof off, have a ball (a blast, a whale of a time, fun), horse around, kick up one’s heels, lark (about), let loose, let off steam, let one's hair down, live it up, make hay (merry, whoopee), paint the town red, play, raise Cain (mischievously), recreate, revel, rollick, romp, skylark, whoop it up

—

SMUGGLE
 OWAD into a conversation today, say something like:

“How do you feel about a mandatory ‘DISPORT Hour’ once a week?”

—
P L E A S E   S U P P O R T   O W A D