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

• practical joker noun

Etymology

Origin of practical joke

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

Even at the Evening Sun into the early ’90s, we played practical jokes on one another.

From Salon

“I’m a prisoner of my own practical joke,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The Magic Christian” is about a millionaire who uses his money to set up a series of elaborate and vicious practical jokes to demonstrate that everyone has his price.

From Salon

Reading aloud, Mr Hopkins says: "He's cheerful and industrious, with a mischievous sense of humour and fondness for practical jokes."

From BBC

“This is more of a sincere gesture, not necessarily a practical joke but I wanted to present it to him.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• prank