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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
Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 23 June 2024
Atlas is supposed to be as brilliant as she is guarded, but she’s written exactly like one of those tightly wound aughts-era heroines who’s required to be put through pratfalls and cut down to size before she’s considered fit for love.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 24 May 2024
There may be a case for the nation that avoids Lowry’s historical pratfalls.
—Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2019
Indeed, the movie is a showcase for her pratfalls, like tumbling into a pond or struggling to get into an elaborate mother of the bride dress she’s instructed to wear.
—Eric Andersson, Peoplemag, 8 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for pratfall 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pratfall.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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“Pratfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pratfall. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
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pratfall
noun
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