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Synonyms

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.


practical joke British  

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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Etymology

Origin of practical joke

First recorded in 1840–50