A playful or mischievous trick played on someone, typically intended to amuse rather than harm. A practical joke designed to surprise or embarrass the target in a harmless way.
Origin uncertain, possibly from Middle Low German 'prank' meaning 'trick, joke' or related to 'prance.' First recorded in English 16th century. May connect to Germanic roots suggesting show-off behavior or ostentation.
The word 'prank' embodies the fine line between humor and cruelty - what makes a prank funny versus mean depends entirely on context, relationship, and outcome. Anthropologists note that pranking behavior exists across cultures, serving as social bonding mechanism and hierarchy establishment tool.
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