roughhouse

[ noun ruhf-hous; verb ruhf-hous, -houz ]

noun

, plural rough·hous·es [ruhf, -hou-ziz].

1. rough, disorderly playing, especially indoors.

verb (used without object)

, rough·housed [ruhf, -houst, -houzd], rough·hous·ing [ruhf, -hou-sing, -zing].

1. to engage in rough, disorderly play.

verb (used with object)

, rough·housed [ruhf, -houst, -houzd], rough·hous·ing [ruhf, -hou-sing, -zing].

1. to handle roughly but with playful intent:

   to roughhouse the cat.

roughhouse

/ ˈrʌfˌhaʊs /

noun

1. rough, disorderly, or noisy behaviour

verb

1. to treat (someone) in a boisterous or rough way

Word History and Origins

Origin of roughhouse¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90; rough + house

Example Sentences

She don't seem nervous or panicky at all, like most women would, breakin' in on a roughhouse scene like that.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, when the roughhouse came, these pajamas were swept along in the sacking—sort of spoils of pillage, you know.

From Project Gutenberg

What a, as one might say, roughhouse might it not—er—precipitate!

From Project Gutenberg

I didnt want the boys riding over there and starting a roughhouse at the Tin Can Saloon.

From Project Gutenberg

There were gangs of good-natured rowdies, and there were roughhouse communities in pioneer days.

From Project Gutenberg