Not So Funny Pranks

Pranks are practical jokes that are aimed at causing embarrassment to the person on whom they are played. They are meant to be a lighthearted way of sharing a few laughs. However, at times, what you find funny may seem not so funny to the other person. There is a fine line between embarrassment and humiliation and it could have serious consequences. Some office pranks could lose you your job if your boss and co-workers do not share your sense of humor.

Timing also plays a key role in the playing of pranks. What may be funny on one day may not appear funny if it wastes a person’s time or ruins his clothes on a day when he has an important meeting to attend. Here are some office pranks that could turn out to be not so funny.

Password Prank

While your colleague is away from his desk for a coffee break, you could download or install prank software on his computer that brings up a screen asking for his password. Upon returning to his desk, he would enter his password only to find that whatever he enters does not let him access his files or email. As office pranks go, this can be funny on a day when he does not have much work, but he may not be amused if you make him waste time on a day when he has a deadline to meet.

Phone Orchestra Prank

One of the most popular pranks, this either can liven up a quiet day in the office or earn you the wrath of your co-workers. Using a VoIP account and sufficient credit, you can set up a conference call by including all the phone, fax, and cell phone numbers of your co-workers; simply dial to start the conference. The cacophony of rings and the suspense when they find no one at the other end can have you in splits, but when you repeat this prank for too long the noise levels can become annoying.

The Shutdown Icon Prank

You can download and install a program on your co-worker’s computer so that every time he clicks on a program that he uses frequently, such as word processing or email programs, the computer shuts down. Among the various office pranks this can be the most frustrating so do not carry on with it for too long and do not try it on your boss in your own best interests.

Conjoined Paper Cups Prank

Line up paper cups on a tray, stapling them together and then fill them up with water. Offer it to your co-workers and watch the fun as they pick one up to find all the others coming along and spilling over in the process. This could be one of the messiest office pranks and will not be appreciated by anyone if they get the water on their clothes. Never try this with hot beverages such as coffee or tea as they could cause scalding.

Of course, when you play pranks it pays to keep your guard up for weeks or months afterwards as you will be the target for revenge for other not so funny pranks.