play with oneself
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To play by yourself with no one else — but also a common way of saying 'masturbate' without being explicit.
Literal meaning: To play using only oneself as a companion.
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
(Literal) To play alone, without other people.
"The only child learned to play with herself for hours using her imagination."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
(Euphemistic) To masturbate.
"The joke was based on the double meaning of 'playing with himself.'"
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
ESL learners should be aware of the sexual connotation, which is the more commonly intended meaning in adult conversation. Context usually makes the meaning clear. The innocent meaning (playing alone) is more natural as 'play by oneself.'
Commonly used with
alone privately
Forms
Base
play with oneself
I/you/we/they
3rd person
plays with oneself
he/she/it
Past simple
played with oneself
yesterday
Past participle
played with oneself
have + pp
-ing form
playing with oneself
continuous
Understand "play with oneself" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "play with oneself" on Looplines