pranksterism
Art of joking
The practice or spirit of playing pranks—mischievous tricks intended to surprise, embarrass, or amuse.
Pranksterism suggests not just isolated jokes but a general disposition toward such behavior: The fraternity was known for its pranksterism.
The term can carry affection or disapproval depending on whether the pranks seem harmless or cruel.
Work meant to amuse
- satireMockery exposing vice
- parodySatirical imitation
- witClever, inventive humor
- slapstickExaggerated physical humor
gag · farce · jesting · irony · sarcasm · banter · spoofing · lampoon
Mischievous or deceitful behavior
- tomfooleryFoolish or silly behavior
- high jinksBoisterous, playful behavior
- monkeyshinesFrivolous or mischievous behavior
- hijinksBoisterous playful mischief
roguery · rascality · impishness · devilry · troublemaking · puckishness · waggery · skylarking
Deliberate deception for effect
- ruseDeliberate act of deception
- trickDeliberate deception
- conArgument against
- bamboozleDeceive through cunning
flimflam · spoof · put-on · grift · sham · dupery · subterfuge · ploy
comedy
Work meant to amuse
slapstick · gag · farce · jesting · irony · sarcasm · banter · spoofing · lampoon · send-up
shenanigans
Mischievous or deceitful behavior
- tomfooleryFoolish or silly behavior
- high jinksBoisterous, playful behavior
- monkeyshinesFrivolous or mischievous behavior
hijinks · roguery · rascality · impishness · devilry · troublemaking · puckishness · waggery · skylarking · antics
hoax
Deliberate deception for effect
bamboozle · flimflam · spoof · put-on · grift · sham · dupery · subterfuge · ploy · gambit
jokester
Habitual humor-maker
jester · clown · imp · scamp · scalawag · rogue · rapscallion · mischief-maker · cutup · wag
frolic
Lighthearted playful movement
- lightheartedCheerful and without worry
- whimsicalPlayfully fanciful or erratic
- jovialCheerful and friendly
merriment · fun-loving · sportive · jocular · gleeful · impish · romp · gambol · spirited · carefree
pranksterismearnestness
Genuine seriousness of intent
sincerity · seriousness · solemnity · gravity · gravitas
pranksterismmalice
Intent to cause harm
malevolence · cruelty · villainy · treachery · vindictiveness
pranksterismpropriety
Correctness of conduct
conformity · conventionality · rule-following · respectability · primness