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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
Tony Maglio, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2025
The many pratfalls of Biden’s spending policies have only heightened their suspicion.
—Oren Cass, Foreign Affairs, 16 Jan. 2025
The division was widely lauded for its performance during the NFL regulars season, but the Lions, Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers all suffered painful pratfalls in their only opportunities in the postseason.
—Steve Silverman, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Then, in another sequence, Mahomes took a pratfall, aka flop.
—Bob Raissman, New York Daily News, 25 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Pratfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pratfall. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
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pratfall
noun
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