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

---

Other Word 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

I nod slowly, waiting for Boy21 to start laughing, for Coach to come running in with the rest of the team, pointing at me and howling at the elaborate practical joke, but that doesn’t happen.

From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick

Related Words

• prank