Monday, November 24, 2008

Origin of the term Hobby


We all know what Hobby means. But are you aware of the genesis of the term?

The dictionary explains hobby as an auxiliary actitity. A spare time recreational pursuit. A diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts. Alternatively, it also refers to a child's plaything called the hobby horse, consisting of an imitation horse mounted on rockers; the child straddles it and pretends to ride.

It is from the term hobby-horse that the word hobby finds its origin. A hobby-horse was a wooden or wickerwork toy made to be ridden just like the real hobby. From this came the expression "to ride one's hobby-horse", meaning "to follow a favourite pastime", and in turn, hobby in the modern sense of recreation.

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