practical joke
5 synonyms for practical joke, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A trick played on someone to make them look foolish and to amuse everyone else, carried out through actions or objects rather than words.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use practical joke
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
play a practical joke on someone
an elaborate practical joke
the victim of a practical joke
a harmless practical joke
Neutral and usable in any context, including news reports and legal writing.
Etymology
So called because the joke is carried out in practice — in deed rather than in speech — as opposed to a spoken joke.
Full origin of practical joke →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a practical joke and a prank?
In everyday use they mean the same thing, and most people use "prank" simply because it is shorter. "Practical joke" is slightly more formal and tends to suggest something planned and staged, while "prank" can cover anything from a quick tease to an elaborate set-up.
When does a practical joke stop being funny?
The usual test is whether the target can laugh along afterwards. Once a joke causes real fear, injury, humiliation in front of strangers, or costs someone money, it is generally treated as bullying or harassment rather than humour, and in some cases it can be a criminal offence.
Why is it called a practical joke if it is not practical?
Here "practical" carries its older sense of "relating to action" rather than "useful". The joke is performed in practice instead of merely being told.
