childish pranks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "childish pranks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe playful or silly actions typically associated with children, often implying a lack of maturity. Example: "The kids were up to their usual childish pranks, hiding each other's shoes and giggling in the corner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Meanwhile, Prince Hal and his cronies, including the fat, boisterous Falstaff and his red-nosed sidekick, Bardolph, have been drinking and playing childish pranks at Mistress Quickly's inn at Eastcheap.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The ministry has even opened a Web site, warning young people, "The police will have a lot of work on their hands, so they cannot be too tolerant of various childish pranks".

The New York Times

Also that he's honorable and not up for stupid childish pranks and play.

Forbes

In court documents, Kathy claimed that she didn't want anyone to be raped, but was actually just playing "childish pranks".

Vice

Attorney Mike Johnson of the Alliance Defending Freedom (formerly the Alliance Defense Fund), a Christian legal group, stated, "I suspect most of it is childish pranks.

Wikipedia

But when it comes to both club bangers and childish pranks, there's no point fighting, so you might as well give in. Michelle Lhooq.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"You have committed much more than merely a childish prank.

The Guardian - Opinion

In another era, the offending sign might have been dismissed as a childish prank and left unremarked.

The New York Times

After last week's unrest the authorities dismissed the prospect of staging a revolution through social-networking sites as a "childish prank".

The Economist

The competitive buddies Marty Justin Longg) and A J (Max Minghella) vie for the attention of the radiant Anna Lynn Collinss), a sultry beauty who arrives in a fur stole, and end up making fools of themselves when they play a childish prank.

The New York Times

But the school board let them off with a suspension, arguing that the incident was just a childish prank.Many black students and parents were appalled, and said so.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "childish pranks" when you want to emphasize the immaturity and lack of seriousness behind a particular action or set of actions. It's often used to downplay the severity of a situation or to characterize behavior as typical of children.

Common error

Avoid using "childish pranks" in professional or academic writing where a more formal and serious tone is expected. Opt for alternatives like "juvenile behavior" or "immature conduct" to maintain a suitable level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "childish pranks" functions as a noun phrase, where 'childish' is an adjective modifying the noun 'pranks'. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, indicating it adheres to standard English grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

14%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "childish pranks" is a grammatically correct and understandable expression used to describe immature, playful actions. While Ludwig confirms its validity, its usage is more common in news, encyclopedias, and wiki contexts, highlighting its neutral to informal register. When writing, it's important to consider the context, avoiding overuse in formal settings where terms like "juvenile antics" or "immature jokes" might be more appropriate. Keep in mind that while often intended as harmless, these "childish pranks" can sometimes lead to unintended consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

juvenile antics

Focuses on the immaturity and youthfulness implied in the actions.

immature jokes

Highlights the lack of maturity behind the humor.

silly games

Emphasizes the frivolous and unserious nature of the activities.

frivolous pranks

Focuses on the lack of seriousness and purpose behind the actions.

youthful high jinks

Suggests energetic and mischievous behavior typical of young people.

immature shenanigans

Emphasizes the silliness and lack of sophistication in the behavior.

foolish escapades

Indicates actions that are not only silly but also potentially risky or troublesome.

puerile tricks

Emphasizes the childish and often annoying nature of the pranks.

petty mischief

Highlights the minor and insignificant nature of the wrongdoing.

minor hijinks

Implies lighthearted and relatively harmless mischievous activities.

FAQs

What does "childish pranks" mean?

The term "childish pranks" refers to playful, often harmless, but immature actions or jokes that are typical of children. It implies a lack of maturity and seriousness in the behavior.

How can I use "childish pranks" in a sentence?

You might say, "The meeting was disrupted by a series of "silly games" that everyone agreed were "childish pranks"" or "Despite his age, he still engaged in "immature jokes" considered "childish pranks" by his colleagues".

What are some alternatives to "childish pranks"?

Some alternatives include "juvenile antics", "immature jokes", "silly games", or "youthful high jinks". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Are "childish pranks" always harmless?

While "childish pranks" are often intended to be harmless, they can sometimes cross the line and cause offense or even harm, depending on the specific actions involved and the sensitivity of the target.