A prank is a playful trick meant to surprise or confuse someone in a harmless, funny way. When you put a whoopee cushion on your teacher's chair or tell your friend their shoelaces are untied when they're actually tied, you're playing a prank. The key word is harmless: a good prank makes everyone laugh afterward, including the person being pranked.

Pranks have been around for a very long time. Shakespeare included pranks in his plays, and people have long enjoyed the surprise and laughter they create. April Fools' Day is dedicated entirely to pranking, when people try to trick each other with fake news or silly schemes.

There is an important line between pranks and cruelty. A prank that embarrasses someone badly, damages their property, or hurts their feelings crosses into bullying or vandalism.

The best pranks are clever rather than mean. They catch someone off guard with something unexpected and absurd, like covering a friend's desk entirely in sticky notes. When done right, a good prank creates a funny memory that everyone enjoys retelling.