noun

practical joker

PRAK-ti-kuhl JOH-ker

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Practical joker (noun) means someone who plays tricks on other people that involve doing something rather than saying something — hiding a possession, rigging a chair, sending a fake message — in order to startle them and get a laugh. Example: “My uncle is a notorious practical joker; last year he clingfilmed the entire fridge.”

noun

Someone who plays tricks on other people that involve doing something rather than saying something — hiding a possession, rigging a chair, sending a fake message — in order to startle them and get a laugh.

"My uncle is a notorious practical joker; last year he clingfilmed the entire fridge."

"Office practical jokers should remember that not everyone finds an air horn under the desk funny."

How to use practical joker

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA person who plays tricks on people for a laugh.

When to use it

Neutral to mildly disapproving. Calling someone a practical joker often carries a hint of warning to whoever is listening.

Memory tip

A practical joke is a trick you perform; a joke is something you tell. Someone can be a brilliant practical joker without being funny in conversation at all.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

prankster → comedian → trickster →

Common pairings

a notorious practical joker office practical joker the family practical joker

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Can you complete this real example?

My uncle is a notorious _____; last year he clingfilmed the entire fridge.

Etymology

From practical joke, where practical means 'carried out in action' as opposed to merely spoken, plus the agent noun joker.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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prankster jokester trickster joker wind-up merchant

Related words

joke turkey cheat comedian liar clown joker cheater

Rhymes for practical joker

poker joker coker hooker smoker broker choker looker stoker booker rooker snooker

See all rhymes for practical joker →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a practical joker and a prankster?

They mean nearly the same thing, but prankster is more casual and is now the usual word for someone who films stunts for an audience. Practical joker is slightly older and suggests private tricks played on people the joker actually knows.

Why is it called a practical joke?

Because it is put into practice — acted out physically — instead of being told. The contrast is with a verbal joke, which exists only in words.

What is the meaning of practical joker?

"practical joker" (noun) means someone who plays tricks on other people that involve doing something rather than saying something — hiding a possession, rigging a chair, sending a fake message — in order to startle them and get a laugh.

What is another word for practical joker?

Other words for "practical joker" include prankster, jokester, trickster, joker, wind-up merchant.

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joke turkey cheat comedian liar clown joker cheater