short-sheet

[ shawrt-sheet ]

verb (used with object)

1. to fold and tuck in the top sheet of (a bed) so that it simulates both the top and bottom sheets: when the victim of this prank enters the bed, their legs are obstructed by the fold:

   We're going to short-sheet Johnny's bed to pay him back for tattling.

2. to prank (someone) by folding and tucking in the top sheet of their bed so that it simulates both the top and bottom sheets: when the victim of this prank enters the bed, their legs are obstructed by the fold:

   As if it wasn't a bad enough day already, I got short-sheeted tonight.

Word History and Origins

Origin of short-sheet¹

First recorded in 1940–45 in the sense “trick, pull a prank”