“Play stupid games, win stupid prizes”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
The phrase means that engaging in foolish or reckless behavior will likely lead to undesirable or negative consequences.
Tone Cautionary
Where it comes from
The precise origin is unclear, but the phrase gained popularity on social media and online forums in the early 2000s as a pithy way to comment on poor decision-making.
Examples
- If you keep driving recklessly, you’re bound to get into an accident. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
- After ignoring safety procedures, he injured himself at work. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
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