You may have played a practical joke on a friend, relative or co-worker, or maybe you’ve been the victim. Whichever it may be, practical jokes have been around for many years, and over the course of time, some of the most creative practical jokes have been played on people.

Origins of Practical Jokes

A practical joke is a prank or action that is meant to make another person look foolish. Practical jokes have been in existence for many years, and it’s difficult to pinpoint the first practical joke. However, the practical joke is at the core of April Fool’s Day, and according to various sources, the origin of April Fool’s Day goes back to biblical time of Noah.

Whatever the origin, practical jokes, pranks and gags have been a part of our life since the 20^th Century. Practical jokes can be played just about anywhere by anyone, including kids. At the heart of practical jokes is the desire for one person (or a group of people) to try and fool another person into believing something that is not true. Practical jokes or pranks can take all different forms and can be executed anywhere.

While it would be impossible to list all of the practical jokes that have been played or attempted, we will list a few of the more memorable ones here:

Practical Jokes in the Workplace

·        Using bungee cords to lock employees in the bathroom.

·        Telling a co-worker that the boss wants to see them right away, and have them walk into (and interrupt) another meeting.

·        Adjusting your co-workers chair so that when they sit in it the chair would be too low for the desk.

·        When a co-worker is away on vacation, wrap up everything in the office or cubicle in wrapping paper.

·        Hiding something in a co-workers desk so that when they open the drawer, they are surprised.

Practical Jokes for Kids

·        At home switch the salt and pepper in their shakers.

·        If you have a ripped dollar, have just the corner visible in a public spot, and see everyone stop and pick it up.

·        Take an apple, poke a hole in it and put a gummy worm in it, and give to your victim.

·        Go into the bathroom and unroll a bit of toilet paper. Using a marker, write “Send help, I’m trapped in the toilet paper factory.”

·        Find a pair of shoes that aren’t being used. Wad up some toilet paper and place it in the toes. When the person puts it on, they will wonder why their shoes don’t fit.

There are thousands of other practical jokes that can be played on other people. Some funny, some a little cruel, but all in good spirit to try and make someone look ridiculous. Here are a few resources on practical jokes, gags, pranks and April Fool’s Day tricks:

·       Practical Jokes

·       Award for Practical Joking

·       Index of Practical Jokes

·       April Fool’s Day

·       Pranks and Practical Jokes

·       Practical Jokes Online

·       Practical Joke Definition

·       Kids Practical Jokes

·       Practical Joke Videos

·       Fun Practical Jokes at Work

·       Pranks and Practical Joke Archive

·       April Fool’s Day Jokes

·       April Fool’s Day Hoaxes

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