Pratfall: meaning, definitions and examples
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pratfall
[ ˈpræt.fɔːl ]
humorous misstep
A pratfall is a comical fall or mishap, often involving a person falling down in a clumsy manner. It is commonly used in comedic contexts, particularly in slapstick humor, to enhance the entertainment factor. The term can also refer more broadly to any embarrassing mistake or blunder.
Synonyms
blunder, fiasco, misstep, slip.
Examples of usage
- The comedian's pratfall had the audience laughing uncontrollably.
- She experienced a pratfall during the performance, but it made the scene even funnier.
- His pratfall in the office made everyone giggle.
- The classic cartoon features a character who often slips and falls in pratfalls.
- During the play, the actor's pratfall stole the show.
Translations
Translations of the word "pratfall" in other languages:
🇵🇹 caída engraçada
🇮🇳 प्रमुखता में कमी
🇩🇪 Fehltritt
🇮🇩 jatuh lucu
🇺🇦 падіння
🇵🇱 upadek
🇯🇵 失態
🇫🇷 chute comique
🇪🇸 tropiezo cómico
🇹🇷 komik düşüş
🇰🇷 코믹한 실수
🇸🇦 سقوط مضحك
🇨🇿 komický pád
🇸🇰 komická chyba
🇨🇳 滑稽的失误
🇸🇮 komičen padec
🇮🇸 hlægisfall
🇰🇿 комикалық құлау
🇬🇪 კომიკური დაცემა
🇦🇿 gülməli düşmə
🇲🇽 tropiezo cómico
Etymology
The term 'pratfall' originates from the word 'prat', a British slang term for buttocks or bottom, and 'fall'. The word 'prat' can be traced back to the late 19th century, while 'pratfall' itself emerged in the United States around the 1960s. The noun describes not just a physical fall, but also symbolizes the metaphorical 'falling' one experiences when they make a foolish mistake or suffer a humiliating setback. The popularity of pratfalls in comedic routines has its roots in early vaudeville and silent films, where physical humor was essential since many performances did not rely on spoken dialogue. Comedians like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton became iconic for incorporating pratfalls into their routines, forever embedding this concept into comedic culture.