short-sheet

American  

[shawrt-sheet] / ˈʃɔrtˌʃit /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of short-sheet

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

Example Sentences

Somehow the other kids did not want to short-sheet his bed for this.

From Time Magazine Archive

We passed under one of the watch- towers along the river, and someone noticed a familiar face—a recruit from the class ahead of ours, the guy who had taught us to short-sheet our beds.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover