5 Types of People You Should Never Pull a Prank On

Pranks can be fun, clever, and even bring people closer together, that is, until they go wrong. Then you’re left apologizing profusely, holding a half-deflated whoopee cushion, and wondering where your life choices went wrong. 

On average, a YouTuber can earn around $0.018 for each view, so for every 1,000 views, you make like $18. And prank videos attract views like light attracts moths. 

Of course, not everyone appreciates being startled, embarrassed, or tricked for laughs. Some people, in fact, should never be on your prank list. 

Let’s talk about five such individuals who deserve to be left entirely out of your prank video plans.

#1 The Boss Who Doesn’t Smile Before Noon

Your boss may enjoy a good laugh, but timing is everything. Catch them before their first cup of coffee, and even a lighthearted joke can feel like a federal offense. Imagine swapping out their computer mouse batteries and watching them furiously click in confusion while your promotion dreams crumble.

The workplace is already full of stress, deadlines, and meetings that could have been emails. In fact, according to a 2024 report, 90 percent of employees report feeling stressed at work. Adding a prank to that mix might make you memorable, but not in a good way. 

Save your sense of humor for after-hours or, better yet, find a cat video to share instead. Cats never got anyone fired.

#2 The Friend Who Takes Fitness Way Too Seriously

You know the type. The friend who eats kale chips for breakfast, tracks every step, and treats gym time like a sacred ritual. They’re disciplined, focused, and possibly one bad protein shake away from shouting motivational quotes at strangers.

Messing with their workout gear or pretending to “lose” their pre-workout drink isn’t a prank; it’s a declaration of war. Fitness lovers take their routines as seriously as a pilot landing a plane. 

You might think you’re being funny, but to them, you’re interrupting their “gains.” Nobody wants to see a 5 am rage fueled by missing creatine.

#3 People with Chronic Pain

Now, this one’s serious. If someone deals with chronic pain, the last thing they need is extra discomfort or stress. A prank that causes even mild physical strain or emotional distress can be cruel. 

Some individuals with chronic pain even rely on medical devices like spinal cord stimulators to manage their pain relief. Unfortunately, not every device works as promised. 

According to reports tied to the spinal cord stimulator lawsuit, some patients experienced complications from faulty spinal cord stimulator systems and stimulator implantations. 

TruLaw notes that these lawsuits highlight how such malfunctioning spinal cord stimulator implants can worsen pain rather than relieve it. And when someone is already dealing with chronic pain and, perhaps, fighting legal battles, throwing a prank on them should be out of the question.

#4 The Friend Who’s Too Competitive

Ah, the friend who turns every friendly activity into the Olympics. Whether it’s board games, trivia, or bowling, they keep score like their life depends on it. Their trophy shelf could double as an ego monument.

Pulling a prank on them, like pretending they lost when they didn’t, is practically inviting a meltdown. They’ll spend hours analyzing the “game footage” in their head, demanding a rematch. 

Competitive people don’t just play to win. They play to dominate. So save your friendship and keep your pranks far, far away from their scoreboard.

#5 The New Parent Who Hasn’t Slept in Days

New parents live in a parallel universe powered by caffeine and baby cries. Their sense of humor is fragile, and their patience, well, it’s gone. As per research, a parent’s total sleep time and sleep efficiency decrease after the birth of a child. Basically, these parents are operating on just a few hours of sleep and a diet of whatever they can eat with one hand.

Now imagine you sneak a toy spider into their diaper bag or replace their baby monitor audio with spooky noises. You won’t get laughter. You’ll get a death stare that could turn milk sour. 

Parenthood is already a 24/7 endurance challenge. Pranks are about the last thing these heroes need. The kindest thing you can do is offer a nap, not a joke.

FAQs

What makes a prank go too far?

A prank crosses the line when it causes genuine distress, pain, or embarrassment. If the target feels humiliated or physically hurt, it stops being funny. Humor should bring laughter, not tears, bruises, or emotional trauma. A good rule to follow when thinking of pulling a prank is that if you wouldn’t want it done to you, don’t do it.

Are pranks ever appropriate at work?

That depends on the office culture. In casual environments, small, harmless jokes might work if everyone’s in on it. But in professional or high-pressure settings, they can backfire quickly. Always read the room before attempting humor. Sometimes, sharing a funny meme is safer than setting up a surprise.

How can I make sure a prank stays fun for everyone?

Keep it simple, kind, and easy to undo. The best pranks spark laughter, not panic. Avoid anything involving personal property, health conditions, or emotions. Aim for something that makes everyone laugh together, like replacing someone’s coffee mug with a ridiculously large one. If it’s playful, not painful, you’re on the right track.

Laughter is good for the soul, but so is compassion. A prank can lighten the mood, but it can also damage relationships if it’s not thoughtful. 

Knowing who not to prank is as important as knowing who will laugh along with you. So next time the urge to fill someone’s office with balloons, pause for a second. Ask yourself if the person will genuinely enjoy it or silently plot your downfall.