How Do You Spell PLAY POSSUM?

Pronunciation: [plˈe͡ɪ pˈɒsəm] (IPA)

The phrase "play possum" means to pretend to be dead or asleep in order to deceive someone. The spelling of the word "possum" is interesting because it uses a double "s" instead of the more common "o" in the word "opossum." The correct pronunciation of possum is /ˈpɑsəm/ in IPA phonetic transcription. This spelling variation may have originated from regional dialects or simply evolved over time. Regardless of the spelling, playing possum is a survival tactic used by many animals in the wild.

PLAY POSSUM Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "play possum" refers to an action employed by certain animals, specifically the opossum, as a defense mechanism. It involves pretending to be dead or unconscious in order to evade a potential threat or predator. This behavior is achieved by the animal lying motionless, often with its eyes closed and limbs stiffened, giving the impression of lifelessness. By playing possum, these animals aim to deter the predator, as they may lose interest in pursuing what they perceive as a deceased or harmless prey.

   Metaphorically, "play possum" is used to describe a similar behavior in humans or other animals, where an individual feigns inactivity, ignorance, or vulnerability to manipulate a situation or avoid confrontation. In this context, "play possum" implies adopting a passive or submissive stance, often with the intention of deceiving others or gaining an advantage in a particular scenario. It may involve remaining silent, pretending to lack knowledge or understanding, or feigning weakness.

   Overall, "play possum" can describe both a literal and figurative state of feigned helplessness or inaction. While its original meaning stems from the animal kingdom, the metaphorical usage suggests the act of masking one's true abilities, motives, or intentions.

Common Misspellings for PLAY POSSUM

• olay possum
• llay possum
• -lay possum
• 0lay possum
• pkay possum
• ppay possum
• poay possum
• plzy possum
• plsy possum
• plwy possum
• plqy possum
• plat possum
• plag possum
• plah possum
• plau possum
• pla7 possum
• pla6 possum
• play oossum
• play lossum

Etymology of PLAY POSSUM

The phrase "play possum" is derived from the behavior of North American opossums. When threatened or attacked, these nocturnal marsupials sometimes enter a state of apparent death, where they become completely limp and unresponsive. This behavior is known as "playing possum". The term was first recorded in the early 19th century, and it originates from the verb "play", meaning to pretend, and "possum", the shortened form of "opossum". The phrase was coined due to the opossum's unique behavior of feigning death as a defense mechanism.

Idioms with the word PLAY POSSUM

• play possum 1 The idiom "play possum" means to pretend to be asleep or dead in order to deceive others or avoid a dangerous or unpleasant situation.
• play possum 2 "Play possum" is an idiom that originated in North America, specifically referring to the behavior of an opossum when it feels threatened. The idiom "play possum" means to pretend to be dead or unconscious in order to avoid or deceive someone or to avoid a difficult or uncomfortable situation. It implies feigning ignorance, disinterest, or vulnerability to gain an advantage or to avoid confrontation.
• play possum To pretend to be dead, asleep, or unaware in order to fool others or avoid danger.