Literary notes about romp (AI summary)
The word "romp" is often used to evoke an atmosphere of unbridled, joyful energy that ranges from the literal play of children and animals to metaphorical expressions of spirited abandon. In many narratives, it describes lively, carefree physical activity—as when children or even pets engage in frolicsome play outdoors [1] [2]—while in other works it lends a playful, even ironic tone to moments of unexpected exuberance among characters [3] [4]. Moreover, its employment sometimes hints at a subversion of formal propriety, offering a refreshing contrast between structured behavior and untamed mirth in various social or dramatic contexts [5] [6].
- "The poor little children, how happy they are—how merrily they play and romp together!
— from Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen by H. C. Andersen - Eva and her pet dog Growler used to romp up and down on the sandy shore of the river.
— from The Girl's Cabinet of Instructive and Moral Stories by Francis L. (Francis Lister) Hawks - Whatever the game might be, he infused it with dramatic quality, turning every romp into a thrilling adventure.
— from Sigurd Our Golden Collie, and Other Comrades of the Road by Katharine Lee Bates - "After tea and a go-to-bed romp with the little girls, I attacked the big work-basket, and had a quiet evening chatting with my new friend.
— from Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Louisa May Alcott - The idea of making mountebanks of ourselves in those odious gymnasium costumes, to romp and riot about like a parcel of schoolboys!
— from Miss Hildreth: A Novel, Volume 1 by Augusta de Grasse Stevens - “I remember I used to think you rather wild and shy; but it is difficult now to imagine you a romp,” said Gwendolen, smiling.
— from Daniel Deronda by George Eliot
