Pranks: meaning, definitions and examples

🤣

Add to dictionary

pranks

[præŋks ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

funny

A playful or mischievous act intended to cause amusement or confusion.

Synonyms

hoax, joke, trick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pranks	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.
joke	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.
trick	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.
hoax	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.

Examples of usage

He was always up to mischief and playing pranks.
The group of friends enjoyed pulling pranks on each other.
She decided to play a harmless prank on her coworker.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

jokingly

To play a trick or joke on someone in a playful way.

Synonyms

hoax, joke, trick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
joke	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
trick	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
hoax	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

Word

Description / Examples

joke

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

trick

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

hoax

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

Examples of usage

They pranked their friend by pretending to be someone else on the phone.
He pranks his siblings all the time with his witty humor.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word 'prank' comes from the Middle English term 'pranke,' meaning to show off or flaunt.
In the 17th century, pranks were often associated with the celebration of April Fool's Day, a day for harmless tricks.
Many ancient cultures had similar festivities where people played tricks on each other, often to welcome spring.

Pop Culture

Television shows like 'Punk'd' popularized pranking in the early 2000s by surprising celebrities.
YouTube has countless channels dedicated to pranks, showcasing everything from light-hearted jokes to elaborate setups.
Horror-themed pranks are popular in movies, often leading to funny or scary situations.

Psychology

Pranking can strengthen friendships, as shared laughter can enhance social bonds.
Psychological studies suggest that people who enjoy playful banter and pranks often have a higher sense of humor.
However, when pranks go too far, they can lead to feelings of betrayal or anger, highlighting the importance of knowing boundaries.

Literature

Pranks appear in Shakespeare’s works, notably in 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream,' where characters are tricked in humorous ways.
Children's literature often includes pranks as a way to teach lessons about friendship and kindness.
Famous novels, such as 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,' feature characters who engage in pranks that define their personalities.

Ethics

Pranking can raise ethical questions about consent and the potential for harm, emphasizing the importance of respect.
Comedy that relies on a prank can be entertaining, but it should not humiliate or endanger others in the name of fun.
Understanding cultural differences in humor is essential, as what constitutes a prank in one culture may be offensive in another.

Translations

Translations of the word "pranks" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pegadinhas

🇮🇳 मज़ाक

🇩🇪 Streiche

🇮🇩 lelucon

🇺🇦 жарти

витівки
розіграші

🇵🇱 psoty

🇯🇵 いたずら

🇫🇷 farces

🇪🇸 bromas

🇹🇷 şakalar

🇰🇷 장난

🇸🇦 مزحات

🇨🇿 žerty

🇸🇰 žarty

🇨🇳 恶作剧

🇸🇮 potegavščine

🇮🇸 gabb

🇰🇿 қалжыңдар

🇬🇪 ხუმრობები

🇦🇿 zarafatlar

🇲🇽 bromas

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,489, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
23486 wisp
23487 fettered
23488 idler
23489 pranks
23490 franchising
23491 squall
23492 lifeline
...