Pranks: meaning, definitions and examples

Pranks are playful actions or practical jokes typically meant to amuse or surprise someone without causing harm.

• April Fool's Day is a common time for people to play pranks on each other.
• The children enjoyed playing harmless pranks on their classmates.

A joke is a light-hearted remark or story meant to cause laughter. It is usually harmless and intended to entertain.

• He told a funny joke that made everyone at the party laugh.
• She couldn't stop giggling at the comedian's jokes.

A trick can be a playful or clever act meant to deceive someone, often temporarily. It can range from simple magic tricks to more elaborate schemes.

• The magician performed a card trick that amazed the audience.
• He played a trick on his friend by pretending to have lost his keys.

A hoax is a deliberate attempt to deceive or trick someone, often on a larger scale and sometimes with harmful consequences. It usually involves presenting false information as true.

• The 1938 radio broadcast of 'The War of the Worlds' caused panic because many listeners believed the hoax was real.
• Discovering the email was just a hoax, she quickly deleted it.

A statement, story, or action intended to make people laugh. Typically harmless and meant to entertain.

• He told a joke about a chicken crossing the road
• Her jokes always make everyone in the room burst into laughter

An action intended to deceive or surprise someone. Can be harmless like a magic trick or more malicious if intended to fool someone.

• The magician performed a card trick that amazed the audience
• They played a trick on their friend by pretending to forget his birthday

A false statement or trick, often created to mislead people. Usually more serious and can have negative consequences.

• The news about the celebrity's death turned out to be a hoax
• They spread a hoax about the company's bankruptcy, causing panic among the investors