How Do You Spell PRACTICAL JOKE?

Pronunciation: [pɹˈaktɪkə͡l d͡ʒˈə͡ʊk] (IPA)

The spelling of "practical joke" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word is pronounced /ˈpræktɪkəl ʤəʊk/ in British English, with stress on the first syllable. The "c" in "practical" is pronounced as /k/ and the "j" in "joke" is pronounced as /ʤ/. This spelling indicates that the word has its roots in Latin, where "c" was used instead of "k" and "i" was used instead of "j". The word has been used since the 18th century to describe a playful or mischievous act done to amuse oneself or others.

PRACTICAL JOKE Meaning and Definition

  1. A practical joke refers to a playful and mischievous act intended to elicit amusement or surprise by deceiving or misleading someone in a harmless manner. It involves setting up a scenario or situation with the primary purpose of tricking others, often through clever, unexpected, or sometimes immature means. Practical jokes typically exploit the element of surprise, using deception to create a situation that confuses or amuses the unsuspecting target, commonly a friend, family member, or colleague.

    These pranks are characterized by their lighthearted nature and are usually intended to generate laughter and entertainment for the participants and spectators involved. They often involve physical or social actions, such as tricking someone into believing a false reality, manipulating objects in surprising ways, or staging a scenario that mocks or teases the person being targeted.

    While practical jokes are meant to be harmless and fun, it is essential to consider individual boundaries, cultural sensitivities, and potential emotional impact on the target. It is crucial to maintain respect and avoid crossing the line into harmful or offensive behavior. Successful practical jokes should ultimately foster laughter, amusement, and camaraderie among all participants, making them an enjoyable and light-hearted way to temporarily disrupt everyday routines or social settings.

  2. A trick played that hurts or tends to hurt the body, results in an indignity, or injures or destroys property.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PRACTICAL JOKE

  • oractical joke
  • lractical joke
  • -ractical joke
  • 0ractical joke
  • peactical joke
  • pdactical joke
  • pfactical joke
  • ptactical joke
  • p5actical joke
  • p4actical joke
  • przctical joke
  • prsctical joke
  • prwctical joke
  • prqctical joke
  • praxtical joke
  • pravtical joke
  • praftical joke
  • pradtical joke
  • pracrical joke

Etymology of PRACTICAL JOKE

The term "practical joke" is a combination of two words.

The word "practical" has its roots in the Latin word "practicus", which means "fit for action" or "concerned with action". Over time, it evolved into the Middle English word "practicle" and eventually the modern spelling "practical". In the context of a practical joke, the word "practical" suggests an action-oriented or hands-on nature.

The word "joke" originated from the Latin "jocus", which denotes "jest" or "playful action". It entered the English language through the Middle English word "jouk", which meant a trick or deceitful act. The term gradually evolved into "joke" as we use it today.

Idioms with the word PRACTICAL JOKE

  • a practical joke The idiom "a practical joke" refers to a trick or prank played on someone with the intention of amusing oneself or others. It involves a mischievous act intended to surprise or deceive the person on the receiving end. These jokes are usually light-hearted and meant to be funny, often involving harmless and unexpected actions or tricks that may cause temporary confusion or amusement.

Similar spelling words for PRACTICAL JOKE

Plural form of PRACTICAL JOKE is PRACTICAL JOKES