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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
Michael Cieply, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2024
With the World Cup two years away, U.S. soccer could not bear yet another international pratfall and another round of questions about the program’s future.
—Steven Goff, Washington Post, 27 July 2024
Escola’s acrobatic pratfalls and pitch-perfect timing remain unchanged from the show’s off-Broaday run, though the sets have been noticeably dolled up since the transfer.
—Christopher Barnard, Vogue, 12 July 2024
The pratfalls and hijinks land as solidly as the performers do (ouch).
—Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 23 June 2024
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pratfall.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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“Pratfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pratfall. Accessed 4 Sep. 2024.
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pratfall
noun
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