Pranking

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ˈpɹæŋkɪŋ/

Definitions

1. Performing playful tricks that are meant to fool or entertain individuals
2. Carrying out humorous acts of deception designed to provoke amusement or surprise in others
3. Acting out amusing tricks to surprise or entertain others

Etymology: To "prank" oneself once meant to dress up or show off in fine clothes, and a "prank" was a flashy display. The sense of a mischievous trick grew out of that showiness, as a performance designed to be noticed gradually became a deception meant to surprise. Its ultimate source is uncertain. It may be related to Dutch or Low German words for dressing up, but no firm ancestor has been established. "Pranking" is the -ing form of the verb, describing the act of playing such tricks. The ending adds no separate history, so the verb's story is the whole story.

Synonyms: playing tricks, joking, fooling