practical joke

American  

noun

1. a playful trick, often involving some physical agent or means, in which the victim is placed in an embarrassing or disadvantageous position.

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practical joke British  

noun

1. a prank or trick usually intended to make the victim appear foolish

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• practical joker
  noun

Etymology

Origin of practical joke

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

The con job was, he thinks, “no more than a practical joke, really. Good clean sport.”

From New York Times • Apr. 8, 2024

The exhibit was supposed to spark debate, yes, but has the spirit of a harmless practical joke, she argues.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2024

Was it all some kind of practical joke?

From Slate • Mar. 16, 2023

At Helsinki, she was the ringleader in a practical joke played on Avery Brundage, president of the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2023

For a moment I found myself wondering if this was all some monstrous practical joke.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

Related Words

• prank