Word
of the Day for Friday 12th September 2014
Pratfall \PRAT-fawl\
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Noun
1. A fall in which one lands on the buttocks, often regarded as comical or humiliating. 2. A humiliating blunder or defeat. |
Quotes
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Jerry Lewis, one of the most brilliant physical comedians, built his
persona on deep sympathy for the sufferer of pratfalls, but he
has paid a terrible price for the ones he took.
-- Richard Brody, "The Demise of Physical Comedy," The New Yorker, June 28, 2013 |
Origin
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Pratfall entered English in the 1930’s. It combines prat and fall.
The origin of prat is unknown. Fall comes
from the Old English feallan.
Thanks to: www.dictionary.com
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