the.com/prank
Comedy with a victim, performed by someone betting they'll laugh later.
means A practical joke or mischievous trick played on someone for amusement, usually harmless.
from From 16th-century English, possibly tied to 'prank' meaning to dress up or adorn showily — mischief as a kind of theatrical flourish before it meant fooling someone.
Old senseOnce meant to decorate flashily, not deceive.
Legal lineCross it and 'prank' becomes 'assault.'
April fixApril Fools' Day institutionalized it centuries ago.