leg-pull

American  

[leg-pool] / ˈlɛgˌpʊl /

noun

1. an amusing hoax, practical joke, or the like.

   The entire story was a hilarious leg-pull.

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leg-pull British  

noun

1. informal  a practical joke or mild deception

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Other Word Forms

• leg-puller noun

Etymology

Origin of leg-pull

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

So, read it properly and be sure it's not a leg-pull.

From BBC

The Italian border force has called to “strengthen and optimize” border controls, but the union described the request as a “leg-pull”, saying that the government were planning to close offices at ports and airports.

From Newsweek

"It was only a leg-pull," was the low-toned explanation.

From Project Gutenberg

The Australian has a habit of pulling his mate's leg, and being on his guard against a leg-pull in return.

From Project Gutenberg

"I wonder," began a tentative voice, "if those fellows last night were indulging in a leg-pull—what is called in this country a lire-jambe—when they assured us—"

From Project Gutenberg