tr. to trade insulting remarks concerning relatives with another person. (Chiefly black.)
They're out playing the dozens.Stop shooting the dozens and go do your homework.
play the dozens
To engage in an informal contest in which one trades insults with someone about each other and each other's family members, especially their mothers, typically in front of a group. The insults are not meant to be taken seriously. Exclusive to African-American communities. You want to play the dozens, son? We'll keep it light, unlike yo' mama, who's pushin' a ton!
play the dozens
and shoot the dozens
tv. to trade insulting remarks concerning relatives with another person. (see also (dirty) dozens.) They’re out playing the dozens. There’s a bunch of kids out there messing around shooting the dozens.