practical joke: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Colloquial
Quick answer
What does “practical joke” mean?
A mischievous trick or prank, often elaborate, played on a person to cause embarrassment, confusion, or amusement for others.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mischievous trick or prank, often elaborate, played on a person to cause embarrassment, confusion, or amusement for others.
An act designed to provoke a humorous reaction through deception, often at the expense of the target's dignity or composure; can sometimes refer to a complex, premeditated hoax.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Concept and term are identical in both varieties. Slightly more associated with classic British humour (e.g., P.G. Wodehouse) but universally used.
Connotations
Generally light-hearted, but context-dependent. Can imply childishness or a lack of maturity if done in inappropriate settings.
Frequency
Equally common in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “practical joke” in a Sentence
to play a practical joke on <someone>to be the victim/target of a practical joketo fall for a practical jokeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “practical joke” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They decided to **practical-joke** their lecturer by filling his office with balloons.
- He's been **practical-joking** his flatmates all week.
American English
- He got **practical-joked** by his fraternity brothers.
- They love to **practical-joke** the new interns.
adverb
British English
- He acted **practical-jokingly**, but his intentions were malicious.
American English
- She smiled **practical-jokingly** before revealing the fake spider.
adjective
British English
- He has a **practical-joke** mentality that can be tiresome.
- The **practical-joke** element of the show is its most popular feature.
American English
- She's known for her **practical-joke** schemes.
- It was a **practical-joke** war that lasted months.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare and generally inappropriate; could be considered harassment.
Academic
Almost never used in formal academic writing.
Everyday
Common in social narratives among friends, family, or colleagues in informal settings.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “practical joke”
- Using 'practical joke' to describe a verbal joke or simple teasing. Confusing it with 'practically a joke', which means something is almost ridiculous.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can border on bullying if it is repeated, causes genuine distress, or targets a vulnerable person. Context and consent are key; among friends who appreciate the humour, it's playful.
They are largely synonymous, but 'practical joke' can imply a more elaborate, premeditated set-up, while 'prank' can be simpler and more spontaneous.
Yes, though it's informal and often hyphenated (e.g., 'to practical-joke someone'). 'Prank' is more commonly used as a verb.
Yes, most April Fools' Day tricks are practical jokes, as they involve a fabricated situation intended to fool someone.
A mischievous trick or prank, often elaborate, played on a person to cause embarrassment, confusion, or amusement for others.
Practical joke is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Practical joke: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpræk.tɪ.kəl ˈdʒəʊk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpræk.tɪ.kəl ˈdʒoʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's just a bit of fun.”
- “He fell for it hook, line and sinker.”
- “The joke's on you.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'practical' as hands-on. A practical joke requires practical action or set-up, not just words.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A STAGE / HUMOUR IS A WEAPON (The joke is a scripted performance where the victim is an unwitting actor; the perpetrator 'wields' the joke.)
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the essential element of a 'practical joke'?