Definition of romp through

The phrase "romp through" originated in the mid-19th century, and its lexical roots can be traced back to the French verb romper, meaning "to break" or "to smash." Originally, the English word "romp" was used to indicate the act of breaking something, usually destructively. However, by the late 18th century, "romp" began to acquire a positive connotation, as it came to mean "to enjoy oneself heartily," particularly in the context of playful and light-hearted activities. As "romp" evolved in meaning, the phrase "romp through" appeared in the mid-19th century, initially with a different sense than the one we hear today. At that time, "romp through" referred to a violent and often destructive act, in which someone or something was "romped through" or forced through, forcibly "breaking" its way through an obstacle. However, in the late 19th century, the meaning of "romp through" gradually transformed, taking on a more joyful connotation, particularly in the context of quick and enjoyable reading or exploration. Thus, we now use "romp through" to indicate the act of breezing through a book, play, or other activity, without having to stop or analyze it deeply. So, when we say that someone has "romped through" a text, we mean that they have read or explored it quickly, with great enjoyment, and perhaps with a lack of strict attention to detail. The phrase "romp through" therefore combines the traditional frisson of joy and pleasure associated with the word "romp" with a sense of lighthearted breeziness, giving us a useful turn of phrase that captures the spirit of carefree exploration and fun.