Why is it called "Playing" with yourself?

[teplus]

I've often wondered why the term "Playing with yourself" got attached to masturbation.
We all know masturbating is a serious workout. In my case I remember my mother always telling me as a child not to be touching myself but never explaining exactly what "myself" was. Anyone else get conflicting or confusing terms as a child?

[SavoryIce]

Well, it's just playing because there are various ways to do it, and it's fun. Having fun through physical action is playing, is it not?

[Zipgun]

Yup Savory has said it in a nutshell. The word Play is always associated with fun etc..

IE "Fourplay" or "Forplay"

[Doma]

I used to call it "Dick Massage", whatever makes sense to you it works.