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The human posterior has been given a number of designations over the centuries, some not acceptable in polite company. "Prat," a slang term with only slightly indecorous overtones, has been used in reference to the backside since the 16th century. It wasn't until the 1930s, however, that falling on one's prat gave rise to the term "pratfall." The word first cropped up in the lingo of comedy theater, where a pratfall is often part of a slapstick routine. It wasn't long before we gave the word its extended sense of "blunder." Now, with "prat" rarely used as a synonym of "derriere" anymore, "pratfall" is as apt to suggest getting a pie in the face as landing bang on one's behind.
Examples of pratfall in a Sentence
Air Mail, 28 June 2025
Wilson exercises a newfound, assured confidence and muscular drive, punching and kicking baddies — a welcome change from the sort of cheap pratfalls she’s been subjected to in the past.
—Courtney Howard, Variety, 16 June 2025
What follows is a melee of pratfalls and freak-outs, a guffaw-worthy display by such a fine group of actors.
—Nick Caruso, TVLine, 21 May 2025
Matt is out of his league and his next pratfall is always just around the corner.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Pratfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pratfall. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
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pratfall
noun
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