Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day – "Frolic"
Episode Date: October 22, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski
Episode Overview
Today's episode spotlights the word "frolic," exploring its definition, usage, and etymology. Listeners learn not only what it means to "frolic," but also the fascinating way this joyful word has evolved through centuries—from Dutch roots to Shakespearean phrases and contemporary language.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Definition and Usage of "Frolic"
- Spelling: F R O L I C
- Part of Speech: Verb (most commonly), also used as noun and adjective historically
- Primary Meaning:
- To play and move about happily.
2. Example in Modern Usage
- Literary Reference:
- Example sentence from Mashable:
"Lohan and Curtis are playing teens again while their younger co-stars mug sternly, make jokes about regaining a metabolism the speed of light and frolic on electric scooters. Freaky Friday’s dynamic duo fling themselves into silly sequences."
[00:16]
- This contextual use shows "frolic" as playful movement in a fun, story-driven setting.
3. Deep Dive into Etymology
- Rooted in Pleasure:
- The word "frolic" carries a long association with merriment and fun.
- Adjective Origin:
- Entered English in the 16th century as an adjective from Dutch "vrolic" meaning "full of fun" or "merry."
- Shakespeare's Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream used "frolic" in this sense:
"And we fairies following darkness like a dream. Now our frolic…” [00:38]
4. Evolution of Usage
- Verb:
- Quickly adopted as a verb meaning "to play and move about happily," e.g.,
"…as in children frolicking in the waters." [00:43]
- Noun:
- By the early 17th century, used as a noun:
"…as in an evening of fun and frolic." [00:49]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On the essence of "frolic":
"Frolic is a word rooted in pleasure. Its most common function today is as a verb, meaning to play and move about happily, as in children frolicking in the waters."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:32]
- On the historical journey:
"It joined the language in the 16th century as an adjective carrying the meaning of its Dutch source, vrolic, full of fun or merry. Shakespeare’s Puck used it this way in A Midsummer Night’s Dream…”
— Peter Sokolowski [00:36]
- On the word's flexibility:
"By the early 17th century, the word was also being used as a noun, as in an evening of fun and frolic."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:49]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [00:00] – Introduction and spelling
- [00:16] – Example sentence from Mashable
- [00:32] – Definition and primary meaning
- [00:36] – Historical/etymological background
- [00:43] – Evolution as a verb and noun
- [00:49] – Usage as a noun
Takeaway
"Frolic" is a word with a lighthearted, joyous history that still brings a sense of playfulness to modern language, whether describing mischievous fairies or children at play. The episode illustrates how words travel through time and literature, keeping their merry spirits alive.
