Practical joke

"One practical joke after another, and always on me."

-Captain James T. Kirk, "Shore Leave", 2267

File:KIRK IS A JERK.jpg

A practical joke

A practical joke is a trick played on someone in which humor is derived from the victim's embarrassment or discomfort. They are called "practical" jokes because they are practiced, instead of being related in oral or written form.

Starfleet Academy

On a few occasions, mention was made of rampant practical joking at Starfleet Academy.

James T. Kirk

During his time at the Academy, Captain James T. Kirk fell victim to one practical joke after another at the hands of Finnegan, an upperclassman. Kirk later recounted the types of pranks Finnegan was prone to play (always on Kirk):

"He's the kind of guy to put a bowl of cold soup in your bed or a bucket of water propped on a half-open door. You never knew where he'd strike next." (TOS: "Shore Leave")

Wesley Crusher

During Wesley Crusher's first week at the Academy, Cadet Adam Martoni reprogrammed Wesley's sonic shower to cover him with mud. Wesley returned the favor by somehow rigging an anti-matter regulator to spray chili sauce (presumedly) on Martoni. (TNG: "The Game")

Data

Lieutenant Commander Data fell victim to several practical jokes during his Academy years. (TNG: "The Game")

References

• TAS:
  • "Shore Leave"
  • "Yesteryear"
  • "The Practical Joker"
• TNG:
  • "Brothers"
  • "The Game"
• DS9: "Fascination"
• VOY: "Live Fast and Prosper"

External Links

• Practical joke at Wikipedia