An activity or interest that someone pursues for pleasure in their spare time, not as a profession.
From 'hobbyhorse,' originally a wooden horse toy on rockers. A hobbyhorse was something you rode for amusement, so 'hobby' became any activity pursued for pleasure.
The hobbyhorse toy (medieval origin) led to the metaphor 'get off your hobbyhorse,' meaning stop obsessing—but today hobbies are scientifically proven to reduce stress and increase life satisfaction.
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