play-acting

Noun

play-acting (usually uncountable, plural play-actings)

1. (usually) The acting of a play or plays; the occupation of an actor; dramatic performance.
   • Despite growing Puritan disapproval of play-acting, vehemently expressed in sermons and pamphlets, Charles's court was famous for its amateur theatricals.2003, Rebecca Fraser, The Story of Britain: From the Romans to the Present: A Narrative History, New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company, published 2006, →ISBN, page 327
2. (figuratively, usually) The act of engaging in pretence or insincere behavior, often in order to mislead someone or gain an advantage.
   • Children's games are often play-actings of adult roles and thus inculcate the values and customs of the culture in a way that formal schooling might neglect.1963, Conrad M. Arensberg, Arthur H. Niehoff, Technical Cooperation and Cultural Reality, Washington, D.C.: United States Department of State, Agency for International Development, page 38
   • Yes, child care means that the days are longer, working hours broken up and scattered between intervals of dinosaur play-acting. It also means there is almost no time alone.2020 May 4, Tom McTague, “Being a Parent Has Made My Pandemic Life Simpler, If You Can Believe It”, in The Atlantic