practical joke
noun
1.
a playful trick, often involving some physical agent or means, in which the victim is placed in an embarrassing or disadvantageous position.
Origin
1840-50
Related forms
practical joker,
noun
Examples from the web for
practical joke
It leaves you feeling as if you've helplessly watched somebody play a cruel and witless
practical joke
.
Some of the products have a warning on the packaging that they are not a real pacifier, but a
practical joke
.
Thinking it was a
practical joke
, she almost hung up.
He stated that the picture had no purpose beyond being a
practical joke
and that it was not meant to suggest anything.
British Dictionary definitions for
practical joke
practical joke
noun
1.
a prank or trick usually intended to make the victim appear foolish
Derived Forms
practical joker,
noun