TagPractical jokes

Get the Wall-Stretcher

Following up on our conversation about practical jokes played on newbies in the workplace, a San Diego, California, listener shares his own story about being sent on an errand to find a wall stretcher. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript...

Terms for Practical Jokes

The Dictionary of American Regional English has many terms for practical jokes played on newbies, like sending someone out for a bucket of steam, or for pigeon milk, or for a nickel’s worth of dimes. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of...

Newlywed Shivaree

A shivaree, also spelled charivari, is a raucous, good-natured hazing for newlyweds. A discussion here about that word prompted lots of listeners to write in with their own stories about shivarees. Martha shares some of them. This is part of a...

wedgie

wedgie n. jocularly, a standard bicycle. Etymological Note: So-called because a rider astride a standard bicycle is likely to have a wedgie, where underpants ride up into the crack of the buttocks. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)