# How do you convice someone that yoyos aren't a stupid hobby? **URL:** \ **Category:** General Yo-Yo\ **Created:** [January 28, 2024, 6:37pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/how-do-you-convice-someone-that-yoyos-arent-a-stupid-hobby/393157 "2024-01-28T18:37:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![ChrisFrancz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/chrisfrancz/32/48992_2.png) [@ChrisFrancz](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/ChrisFrancz)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2025, 11:15pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/how-do-you-convice-someone-that-yoyos-arent-a-stupid-hobby/393157/102 "2025-04-09T23:15:27Z")
Can all that fit on a t-shirt? Maybe on the back? Well written!!! ---
**Author:** ![Snoopy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/snoopy/32/669143_2.png) [@Snoopy](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Snoopy)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2025, 11:31pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/how-do-you-convice-someone-that-yoyos-arent-a-stupid-hobby/393157/103 "2025-04-09T23:31:16Z")
I’m glad you liked it; I’m rarely so uncouth, but I tend to speak that way when I’m… passionate? Maybe I can condense it, and we’ll put it on a T-Shirt. 🤝 ---
**Author:** ![anon5341354](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3ab097/32.png) [@anon5341354](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/anon5341354)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2025, 11:53pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/how-do-you-convice-someone-that-yoyos-arent-a-stupid-hobby/393157/104 "2025-04-09T23:53:28Z")
Oh I just generally want to be left alone (unless you are family or a close friend). No has always worked for me too. ---
**Author:** ![AngryGumball](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/angrygumball/32/683872_2.png) [@AngryGumball](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/AngryGumball)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2025, 3:43am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/how-do-you-convice-someone-that-yoyos-arent-a-stupid-hobby/393157/105 "2025-04-10T03:43:22Z")
I have had a couple negative experiences throwing in public, thus kinda evaluating my surroundings before I whip out the yoyo. One was with some trouble-looking folks ripping on me for throwing, making some inappropriate remarks (that I won’t post here just to keep forums clean) but typical alpha male remarks…Have had very similar experience too when I made mistake and posted some fixie stuff on imgur for last year’s Fixed Axle Feb and didn’t make it private. Ripped on for being nerdy (had a Star Wars hat on, had my work badge, radio, as…I was at work, on break of course 🙂 ) This said, can’t please everyone these days and we’ve reached the point here that the bar is so low that poor, rude behavior is now “acceptable” by society, at least in the bay area. Pretty sad. Yes, I’m in a very ranty mood right now with everything going on in life. ---
**Author:** ![SlowThrow](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/slowthrow/32/307451_2.png) [@SlowThrow](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/SlowThrow)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2025, 4:04am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/how-do-you-convice-someone-that-yoyos-arent-a-stupid-hobby/393157/106 "2025-04-10T04:04:45Z")
Haters gonna hate, as they say, usually masking their own feelings of personal inadequacy with tough guy bravado or degrading others to appear “strong” or superior. ---
**Author:** ![edhaponik](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/edhaponik/32/150896_2.png) [@edhaponik](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/edhaponik)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2025, 1:07pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/how-do-you-convice-someone-that-yoyos-arent-a-stupid-hobby/393157/107 "2025-04-10T13:07:54Z")
I think the discussion has morphed from “how to describe yo-yoing in a way that makes it seem ok” to “how to actually make the act of throwing seem cool” and then again into “how to make people not be judgmental jerks”. The first two are feasible - the last, less so. When I was a kid I thought training in martial arts was about being able to defend oneself in any situation. But in actuality I’ve observed that the training helps people develop a degree of confidence in public so they avoid looking/feeling like a target. So many aspects of life can be improved by projecting that outward awareness and confidence. And it’s a feedback loop - as you project it, you start to feel it, at which point it becomes authentic. I think throwing in public is kinda like this. Some people will instinctively seize on ANY attitude which seems timid or tentative. They’ll call out your unusual behavior simply because it’s remarkable, but it will take on a more positive or negative edge based on how you carry yourself and how you initially respond. If you just OWN the thing - INCLUDING the inherent silliness of it (because, apologies, there are few things which appear sillier than a grown adult playing with a yo-yo), then I find it defuses the interaction and even draws the person in. Understand, I’m not talking about letting people berate you and I’m not saying that yo-yoing should be mocked. But when you’re out there in the world doing it, people will want to respond to it without knowing how. Throwing in public is about surfing that wave. If you want to throw in a bubble and preserve the sanctity of your tricks and maintain your dignity unblemished, that’s great. They make rooms for that and I hang out in them a lot. But I think if you do venture out and challenge passers-by a bit with your throwing, that’s actually a good thing you’re doing for them. I guarantee you plenty of haters have ended up finding YYE after laughing at someone throwing in public, then realizing “that was actually kinda cool”. I really can’t remember the last negative interaction I’ve had throwing in public. And coming back to the OP, I think a big part of that is when people approach me with “WTF”, my response is a variation on “yeah it IS kinda stupid, but also radical and that’s why I love it.” ---
**Author:** ![megachicken289](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/megachicken289/32/260130_2.png) [@megachicken289](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/megachicken289)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2025, 2:15pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/how-do-you-convice-someone-that-yoyos-arent-a-stupid-hobby/393157/108 "2025-04-10T14:15:50Z")
> [@edhaponik](#): > > how to describe yo-yoing in a way that makes it seem ok Just shoot back to people asking them what their favorite hobby is and ask them why their hobby isn’t stupid. Personal hobbies that I don’t get but every one else is absolutely rabid about (this list is, by no means, exhaustive) - sports - cars - gym (dudebros) (to clarify not just exercising, but all gym all the time) Just because a hobby is seen as more or less manly and/or more or less childish, doesn’t mean it’s acceptable to everyone, but consider this, people who yoyo haven’t started citywide riots because our favorite team/thrower lost. Is that okay? Is that an acceptable outcome when things don’t go your way? > [@edhaponik](#): > > how to actually make the act of throwing seem cool lol > [@edhaponik](#): > > how to make people not be judgmental jerks If we had the answer to this there would be world peace * * * Personally, if anyone makes you feel crappy about your hobby (yes, even sports and cars; it goes both ways), tell 'em to pound sand, kick rocks, and keep doing your hobby. Your enjoyment is not for anyone else to decide. No, I don’t hate sports, why do you ask?! ---
**Author:** ![Pun1sh3R](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/pun1sh3r/32/193125_2.png) [@Pun1sh3R](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Pun1sh3R)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2025, 4:04pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/how-do-you-convice-someone-that-yoyos-arent-a-stupid-hobby/393157/109 "2025-04-10T16:04:41Z")
Judgement - What is the underlying cause? My go to answers; Validation - It makes the person “Judging” feel better about themselves. “See I am better than that.” Jealousy - It dismisses their insecurities by putting a barrier up. Focusing on the “thing” and not themselves. Deflection. Insecurity - I think that is “Cool”, but I don’t want to be judged by others the way I am judging others… Ultimately Live Life Joyously. Who cares what others think. If you do? Which one of the three above hits most to you? ---
**Author:** ![Splizacular](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/splizacular/32/640487_2.png) [@Splizacular](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Splizacular)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2025, 4:31pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/how-do-you-convice-someone-that-yoyos-arent-a-stupid-hobby/393157/110 "2025-04-10T16:31:04Z")
> [@edhaponik](#): > > “yeah it IS kinda stupid I’m going to go one step further and advocate for changing this. there is zero chance of anyone taking it seriously if we belittle ourselves to begin with. I’m not sure why you think it looks silly. i mean I’m not seeking to invalidate your opinion, if you think it looks silly that’s you. I’ve personally never seen it as silly. i think it’s a mistake to label it as inherently childish. yes simple versions of it exist to enable children a gateway to the hobby, but what most of us are doing has nothing to do with childhood per se. i think framing is everything and starting off with a self deprecating view of it isn’t projecting that strength impo children’s bicycles exist but pro cyclists don’t go around saying i know its a kids toy but… ---
**Author:** ![edhaponik](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/edhaponik/32/150896_2.png) [@edhaponik](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/edhaponik)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2025, 5:13pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/how-do-you-convice-someone-that-yoyos-arent-a-stupid-hobby/393157/111 "2025-04-10T17:13:32Z")
Not childish - childlike. :wink: When I say stupid, I realize it sounds pejorative, but I don’t actually mean it that way. I haven’t dedicated decades of my life to pursuing and sharing something I think is in any way negative. I just don’t believe everything worthwhile has to be PURPOSEFUL. If you’re trying to suggest that yo-yoing serves some great and noble purpose (beyond, i don’t know - putting you in a good mood), then I’m not going to agree - although we don’t have to. Painting is “kinda stupid” in the same way as yo-yoing (though it could be argued that the “product” lasts longer in that case). So is dance. So is surfing, and so many things that I love. When the uninitiated call yo-yoing stupid, they mean that it’s a waste of time and energy. I agree in that it’s an EXPENDITURE of time and energy with no clear product. It’s not a waste to me. In my experience, I have a better time demonstrating my perspective - that it’s fun, cool, and actually worth trying - when I start by accepting the way they frame it. I’m secure enough in it to not have to argue about how it’s described. And I should note that having had a bazillion of these interactions, most people I introduce yo-yoing to come away not finding it stupid at all, but rather, at a minimum, accepting “yeah, it IS kind of cool”. So I feel like maybe I’m doing something ok. 🤷‍♂️ ---
**Author:** ![Errant.Giraffe](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/errant.giraffe/32/283519_2.png) [@Errant.Giraffe](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Errant.Giraffe)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2025, 6:03pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/how-do-you-convice-someone-that-yoyos-arent-a-stupid-hobby/393157/112 "2025-04-10T18:03:43Z")
Yeah, it’s kinda silly, but all hobbies are. When I started to get into it a few years ago, I felt kinda embarrassed to play in public. But then, thankfully, something flipped that switch. Why should I let anyone’s opinions shape my joy? And like others have said, I’ve had so many positive interactions with people because of yoyo. I had kind of a long layover in an airport a couple months ago, and I found an open area off to the side of a very busy walkway and threw my favorite yoyo for like 30-45 minutes. Hundreds of people walked past in that time. Little kids walking past, pointing and tugging on their parents’ arms, people shouting out “do a looper!” as they rushed along, old guys lighting up and telling me about their childhood Duncans … I got SO many smiles that day. Yoyos just make happy. ✌ ---
**Author:** ![MinerJ](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/minerj/32/629515_2.png) [@MinerJ](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/MinerJ)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2025, 7:30pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/how-do-you-convice-someone-that-yoyos-arent-a-stupid-hobby/393157/113 "2025-04-10T19:30:44Z")
> And I should note that having had a bazillion of these interactions, most people I introduce yo-yoing to come away not finding it stupid at all, but rather, at a minimum, accepting “yeah, it IS kind of cool”. So I feel like maybe I’m doing something ok. 🤷‍♂️ To be fair, seeing you do amazing things with a yoyo is probably more impressive to the average person than watching me fail multiple attempts at a kickflip… 😁 But, yeah, even with my beginner skills the vast majority of people I encounter have a positive reaction to me playing with a yoyo. And I think a huge part of that has to do with what you mentioned previously about self awareness and confidence. And I’m not at all confident in my yoyo skills, but I’m confident in myself and the fact that I’m playing with a yoyo. ---
**Author:** ![edhaponik](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/edhaponik/32/150896_2.png) [@edhaponik](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/edhaponik)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2025, 8:45pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/how-do-you-convice-someone-that-yoyos-arent-a-stupid-hobby/393157/114 "2025-04-10T20:45:20Z")
Haha nah you know how it goes. I’ll hit a crazy 360 flip or something and they’ll be like “mmhmm do the upside down one!” And I’ll do shoot the moon and they’ll freak out like “OMG HE’S DEFYING GRAVITY HE’S A WIZARD!!!” ---
**Author:** ![Splizacular](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/splizacular/32/640487_2.png) [@Splizacular](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Splizacular)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2025, 9:06pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/how-do-you-convice-someone-that-yoyos-arent-a-stupid-hobby/393157/115 "2025-04-10T21:06:24Z")
> [@edhaponik](#): > > not have to argue about how it’s described we seem to be saying the same thing, but to be clear, i was not, nor would i ever advocate for arguing with ppl as a means of persuasion. it doesnt work. you do, however, in fact challenge ppls notions nonverbally the second you start throwing since the vast majority of ppl have never seen children do those things. in the context of a casual conversation framing is irrelevent as the outcome of the conversation is irrelevant. but thinking about it more in the context of the original question of the post, framing is a crucial and inescapable factor in the success of any persuasive argument if that’s the goal of the interaction ---
**Author:** ![skysurveil](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/skysurveil/32/183638_2.png) [@skysurveil](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/skysurveil)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2026, 9:22am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/how-do-you-convice-someone-that-yoyos-arent-a-stupid-hobby/393157/116 "2026-01-17T09:22:34Z")
The mailbox saga for those unaware: > [@Help! Accidentally Sent Yo-yo To Wrong Address!](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/help-accidentally-sent-yo-yo-to-wrong-address/389518): > > So as you may know, I just bought a Bastet II due to the Cyber Monday deal. However, I accidentally typed in the wrong address and sent it somewhere else! I have absolutely 0 clue to to fix this besides just getting another one. Can anyone help me? ---
**Author:** ![yoyodoc](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/yoyodoc/32/48820_2.png) [@yoyodoc](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/yoyodoc)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2026, 9:36am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/how-do-you-convice-someone-that-yoyos-arent-a-stupid-hobby/393157/117 "2026-01-17T09:36:57Z")
Well, I hate to rain on the parade around here, lol But the guy that started this thread, join the forum on January 23, 2024. He last posted on January 28, 2024. He was last seen on January 28, 2024. And he hasn’t been around since. So………… I hate to jump to conclusions, but I guess throwing yo-yos is a stupid hobby. And sadly… I’ve come to a tragic realization. I’ve been trying to put off drawing a conclusion, but after the dust got kicked up on this thread, it hit me in the face like an army shovel I guess I’m really Stupid…. 28 years of being stupid. Over 1500 stupid yo-yos. And tragically, I just checked my summary stats\>\>\> hopefully I’ll remain stupid for years to come ![IMG_1251](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/yoyoexpert1/original/4X/0/3/b/03bec499b790e87d089ded652f1c2df30b5be511.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Wildo](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/wildo/32/668485_2.png) [@Wildo](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Wildo)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2026, 11:29am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/how-do-you-convice-someone-that-yoyos-arent-a-stupid-hobby/393157/118 "2026-01-17T11:29:52Z")
Keep up the good fight sir 😁 ---
**Author:** ![Captrogers](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/captrogers/32/647012_2.png) [@Captrogers](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Captrogers)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2026, 1:47pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/how-do-you-convice-someone-that-yoyos-arent-a-stupid-hobby/393157/119 "2026-01-17T13:47:40Z")
Sir you just sounded like my wife when she sees my collection. Most people do tend to flow in and out of hobbies. The fact some of us stick to one silly thing I think is cool but hey what do I know I’m apparently silly junior over here ---
**Author:** ![CannibalCricket](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/cannibalcricket/32/665098_2.png) [@CannibalCricket](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/CannibalCricket)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2026, 3:31pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/how-do-you-convice-someone-that-yoyos-arent-a-stupid-hobby/393157/120 "2026-01-17T15:31:15Z")
You don’t waste your time trying to convince the unenlightened. Yoyo is superior to all hobbies, just facts. Convince me that there is anything cooler than throwing and collecting yoyos ---
**Author:** ![Wildo](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/wildo/32/668485_2.png) [@Wildo](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Wildo)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2026, 3:53pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/how-do-you-convice-someone-that-yoyos-arent-a-stupid-hobby/393157/121 "2026-01-17T15:53:16Z")
> [@CannibalCricket](#): > > superior to all hobbies superior to all quotes 😁 Moved and seconded. [Previous page](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/how-do-you-convice-someone-that-yoyos-arent-a-stupid-hobby/393157.md?page=5) [Next page](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/how-do-you-convice-someone-that-yoyos-arent-a-stupid-hobby/393157.md?page=7)