Origin and history of toy

c. 1300, toie, "trifle, trifling thing; sportive act, amorous sport; jest," a word of uncertain origin, and in modern toy there may be more than one word. Compare Middle Dutch toy, Dutch tuig "tools, apparatus; stuff, trash," in speeltuig "play-toy, plaything," also Middle Dutch toogattire "finery." Also compare German Zeug "stuff, matter, tools," Spielzeug "plaything, toy;" Danish tøj, Swedish tyg "stuff, gear."

In 16c. the English word was used broadly and often of abstract things: Antics and stunts, trifling speech or frivolous writing, a lively tune, a whim, an unreasonable aversion.

The narrowed sense evolution is via the notion of "an object intended for amusement or diversion, not serious use." Hence, via "piece of fun or entertainment" (c. 1500), "thing of little value, trifle" (1520s), and "object made for a child to play with, thing used for the amusement of children" (1580s).

It has been applied as an adjective to things of diminutive size, especially dogs bred to be unusually small and kept as pets, from 1806. Toy-town "model town as a plaything" is by 1836. Toy soldier is by 1849 in the children's story "The Little Sentinel." Toy-boy is from 1981.

"deal carelessly (with), trifle, amuse oneself, play," 1520s, from toy (n.) in its older sense. In 16c. often "dally amorously."

If he be merie and toy with any,

His wife will frowne, and words geve manye.

["Song of the Bachelor's Life," 16c.]

Related: Toyed; toyer; toyingly; toyful; toyous, etc. Toysome (adj.) is by 1630s, "playful, affectionate." To toy with "handle idly" is by 1832..