Prank
/præŋk/noun
A trick or practical joke played on someone.
Did you know?The word likely passed through older senses of “trick out” or “adorn,” showing how language can turn flashy display into social mischief.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*prank- / *prankō-
“Likely a base connected to making oneself neat, trim, or showy”
Middle English
ME
pranken
“To deck out, adorn, or dress up smartly”
15th Century
English
prank
“An act of showy behavior; later, a trick or mischievous act”
Modern English
English
prank
“A practical joke or mischievous trick”