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Glite Dictionary
classic prank

classic prank

1 3.1
A traditional funny trick people play to make others laugh, like a whoopee cushion
  • noun
  • /ˈklæsɪk præŋk/
translation icon : broma clásica
  • One of the most famous classic pranks is the whoopee cushion that makes a funny noise when someone sits on it.

Examples

  • Every Halloween, we pull a classic prank by pretending to scare our friends with fake spiders.

  • I personally came to the conclusion that Snooki probably isn't going to forget that baby in the bathroom in Karma, or leave it alone with the Situation, who would undoubtedly use it in one of his classic pranks (read: let the dogs poop on it).

    Blog text (7)

  • On April Fools' Day, his friends played a classic prank by putting fake bugs in his lunch box.

Synonyms

trick
vsclassic prank
  • Informal
74 1.6

A playful act done to surprise or make people laugh

is a well known traditional form rather than every random mischievous act
practical joke
vsclassic prank
46 3.0

A trick played on someone to make others laugh

is a well known traditional version used repeatedly over time for amusement

Surface Forms

classic prank singular
classic pranks plural

Morphology

classic + prank

The meaning 'a well-known or traditional joke' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'classic' (typical/standard) with 'prank' (a joke or trick). This adjective+noun composition follows a regular, predictable pattern that a B1 learner who knows both words will readily interpret.

Etymology

Classic prank comes from the idea of a joke so old and familiar that it feels like a standard example, like a whoopee cushion or swapping sugar and salt. That's why classic plus prank means a 'well-known' or 'traditional' trick.