Top 39 Slang For Antics – Meaning & Usage

Get ready to dive into the world of mischief and mayhem with our list of the top slang for antics! From harmless pranks to wild escapades, we’ve got you covered with the latest and most popular terms to describe all your crazy adventures. Let’s explore the language of fun and excitement together, and maybe even pick up a few new phrases to add to your repertoire. Buckle up, because it’s going to be a wild ride through the world of antics!

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1. Escapades

This word refers to exciting or daring adventures, often involving some form of mischievous or playful behavior. “Escapades” can also imply a sense of spontaneity and thrill.

For example, “We went on some wild escapades during our road trip.”
A group of friends might reminisce, “Remember that time we had our escapades in Las Vegas?”
Someone might describe a night of partying as, “We had some crazy escapades last night.”

2. Mischief

This term is used to describe playful or harmless misbehavior, often with a sense of fun or mischief. “Mischief” can refer to pranks, practical jokes, or any act that is lighthearted but slightly naughty.

For instance, “The kids got into some mischief while their parents were away.”
A person might confess, “I can’t help but get into mischief whenever I’m bored.”
A friend might warn, “Be careful, he’s always up to some mischief.”

3. Antics

This word refers to playful or silly behavior that is meant to entertain or amuse others. “Antics” can include funny gestures, exaggerated movements, or any form of attention-seeking behavior.

For example, “The clown’s antics had the audience in stitches.”
A person might say, “I can’t believe the antics my dog gets up to.”
Someone might describe a comedian’s performance as, “His antics on stage were hilarious.”

4. Monkey business

This phrase is used to describe silly or mischievous behavior, often with a sense of playfulness or lightheartedness. “Monkey business” can refer to any activity that is seen as silly, nonsensical, or mischievous.

For instance, “Stop with the monkey business and focus on your work.”
A parent might scold their child, “No more monkey business, it’s time for bed.”
A friend might tease, “I see you’re up to your usual monkey business.”

5. Rascality

This word refers to mischievous or roguish behavior, often with a sense of playfulness or naughtiness. “Rascality” can describe actions that are slightly mischievous but not necessarily harmful or malicious.

For example, “His rascality always keeps us on our toes.”
A person might say, “I can’t resist joining in on the rascality when my friends are up to something.”
A group might affectionately refer to their friend as, “The king of rascality.”

6. Skulduggery

Skulduggery refers to dishonest or underhanded actions or behavior. It often involves scheming or plotting to achieve a certain outcome.

For example, “The politician was accused of skulduggery in order to win the election.”
In a mystery novel, a character might say, “There’s definitely some skulduggery going on here.”
A person might describe a complicated plan as “a web of skulduggery.”

7. Horseplay

Horseplay refers to rough or rowdy play, often involving physical activity. It can include playful wrestling, chasing, or other energetic activities.

For instance, “The kids were engaged in horseplay at the playground.”
In a school setting, a teacher might say, “No horseplay in the classroom, please.”
A person might describe a group of friends goofing around as “engaging in horseplay.”

8. Japes

Japes are playful pranks or practical jokes. They are meant to be light-hearted and fun, often involving tricks or humorous deception.

For example, “The office prankster is always coming up with clever japes.”
During April Fools’ Day, people often play japes on their friends and family members.
A person might say, “I pulled a jape on my roommate by hiding their keys.”

9. High jinks

High jinks refer to boisterous or mischievous behavior, often involving a group of people. It can include playful antics, loud laughter, and energetic activities.

For instance, “The party turned into a night of high jinks and revelry.”
During a vacation, a group of friends might engage in high jinks by playing games and pulling pranks on each other.
A person might describe a lively gathering as “full of high jinks.”

10. Larks

Larks are playful or mischievous adventures or escapades. They involve engaging in fun or spontaneous activities, often with a sense of mischief.

For example, “We went on a lark and ended up exploring an abandoned building.”
A person might say, “Let’s go on a lark and see where the day takes us.”
During a road trip, friends might have larks by stopping at quirky roadside attractions.

11. Frolics

Frolics refer to playful or lighthearted activities, often involving laughter and fun.

For example, “The children had a day full of frolics at the park.”
A group of friends might plan a weekend getaway filled with outdoor frolics and games.
During a party, someone might suggest, “Let’s have some frolics and dance the night away!”

12. Gags

Gags are practical jokes or tricks played on someone to create amusement or laughter.

For instance, “He pulled a gag on his friend by hiding fake spiders in his bed.”
A comedian might use gags to entertain the audience and generate laughter.
During a prank war, someone might say, “Prepare yourself for the ultimate gag!”

13. Stunts

Stunts are daring or impressive actions performed for entertainment or to attract attention.

For example, “The stuntman performed dangerous stunts in the action movie.”
A daredevil might attempt extreme stunts like skydiving or bungee jumping.
During a circus performance, the acrobats might showcase breathtaking stunts.

14. Buffoonery

Buffoonery refers to ridiculous or silly behavior, often intended to entertain or amuse others.

For instance, “The clown’s buffoonery had the audience in stitches.”
During a comedy show, the comedian might engage in buffoonery to make the audience laugh.
A group of friends might engage in playful buffoonery during a gathering.

15. Monkeyshines

Monkeyshines refer to mischievous or playful behavior, often associated with pranks or tricks.

For example, “The children were up to their usual monkeyshines, causing laughter and chaos.”
During April Fools’ Day, people often engage in monkeyshines by playing pranks on others.
A mischievous person might be known for their constant monkeyshines and practical jokes.

16. Ribbing

This term refers to good-natured teasing or joking between friends or acquaintances. It involves light-hearted banter and poking fun at someone in a playful way.

For example, a group of friends might engage in ribbing by making playful jokes about each other’s fashion choices.
In a casual conversation, someone might say, “Don’t take it seriously, it’s just some friendly ribbing.”
A person might participate in ribbing by saying, “I heard you’re a terrible cook. Is that true?”

17. Clowning around

This phrase describes the act of behaving in a playful or silly manner, often to entertain others or to have fun. It involves doing funny or goofy things without any serious intentions.

For instance, a group of friends might start clowning around by making funny faces and doing silly dances.
During a lighthearted moment, someone might say, “Let’s stop being serious and start clowning around for a bit.”
A parent might scold their child by saying, “Stop clowning around and focus on your homework.”

18. Racket

This term refers to noisy and disorderly behavior, often in a public setting. It can also describe a loud and disruptive activity or event.

For example, a group of teenagers causing a disturbance in a park might be described as creating a racket.
During a protest, someone might say, “The protesters made quite a racket with their chants and drums.”
A person might complain about their neighbors by saying, “They always have parties and make a lot of racket late at night.”

19. Hooliganism

This term refers to unruly and aggressive behavior, often associated with a group of troublemakers. It involves engaging in violent or destructive actions, usually in a public setting.

For instance, during a soccer match, hooliganism can manifest as fights between rival fans.
In a discussion about social issues, someone might mention the negative impact of hooliganism on public safety.
A news report might highlight incidents of hooliganism during a music festival or sporting event.

20. Skullduggery

This word describes cunning and underhanded behavior, often involving deception or trickery. It refers to actions that are sneaky or dishonest in nature.

For example, a politician might be accused of engaging in skullduggery to gain an advantage over their opponents.
During a mystery novel, the detective might uncover a web of skullduggery involving various suspects.
A person might warn others by saying, “Be careful, there’s a lot of skullduggery going on in that company.”

21. Ruckus

This term refers to a noisy disturbance or uproar. It is often used to describe chaotic or rowdy behavior.

For example, “The party next door was causing a ruckus all night.”
A parent might scold their children, “Stop making a ruckus and go to bed!”
In a news report about a protest, a journalist might write, “The protesters caused a ruckus outside the government building.”

22. Monkey tricks

This phrase is used to describe playful or mischievous behavior, similar to the antics of a monkey.

For instance, “The kids were up to their usual monkey tricks, climbing trees and causing trouble.”
A teacher might say, “I won’t tolerate any monkey tricks in my classroom.”
In a conversation about a prank, someone might say, “That was quite the monkey trick you pulled on your friend!”

23. Malarkey

This word is used to describe something that is foolish or untrue. It is often used to dismiss or express disbelief in someone’s words or actions.

For example, “Don’t listen to his malarkey, he’s just trying to trick you.”
A person might say, “That’s a load of malarkey!” in response to a false statement.
In a political debate, one candidate might accuse the other of spreading malarkey.

24. Ploys

This term refers to clever or cunning strategies or maneuvers used to achieve a particular goal. It often implies a sense of trickery or deception.

For instance, “He used various ploys to win the game.”
In a discussion about marketing, someone might say, “Companies often use advertising ploys to attract customers.”
A person might say, “His ploys to get out of doing his chores never work.”

25. Schemes

This word refers to carefully planned and often secretive actions or plans to achieve a particular outcome, often with a sense of cunning or deceit.

For example, “The villain hatched a scheme to steal the crown jewels.”
In a conversation about office politics, someone might say, “Watch out for her schemes, she’s always plotting.”
A detective might unravel a criminal’s scheme in a mystery novel.

26. Frivolity

Frivolity refers to behavior that is silly, playful, or lacking seriousness. It often involves engaging in fun or amusing activities without a care for the consequences.

For example, a group of friends might engage in frivolity by having a water balloon fight.
During a party, someone might suggest a game of charades to add some frivolity to the atmosphere.
A person might say, “Let’s forget about our worries and engage in some frivolity for a while.”

27. Shambles

Shambles is a slang term used to describe a situation or place that is in a state of complete disorder or chaos. It can also refer to a person who is in a disheveled or disorganized state.

For instance, after a wild party, the living room might be in shambles with overturned furniture and spilled drinks.
A person might describe their life as being in shambles after going through a difficult breakup.
A friend might jokingly say, “Your room is always in shambles. When are you going to clean it?”

28. Riffraff

Riffraff is a term used to refer to a group of people who are considered disreputable, undesirable, or of low social status. It can also be used to describe individuals who are seen as troublemakers or trouble-causers.

For example, a bouncer might say, “We don’t allow riffraff into this club.”
A person might complain, “The neighborhood has gone downhill. It’s full of riffraff now.”
A character in a movie might refer to a group of unruly teenagers as riffraff.

29. Shenaniganry

Shenaniganry is a slang term used to describe mischievous or playful behavior, often involving pranks, tricks, or practical jokes. It implies a sense of harmless fun and mischief.

For instance, a group of friends might engage in shenaniganry by staging a fake spider prank on one of their friends.
During a road trip, someone might suggest playing shenaniganry by switching the GPS destination to a different location without telling the driver.
A person might say, “Let’s come up with some shenaniganry to make this party more memorable.”

30. Folly

Folly refers to behavior that is foolish, unwise, or lacking in good judgment. It often involves taking unnecessary risks or making poor decisions without considering the consequences.

For example, a person might engage in folly by attempting to jump off a roof into a swimming pool.
A friend might warn, “Don’t follow in his footsteps. His life is full of folly.”
A character in a book might be described as being prone to folly, always making impulsive decisions without thinking them through.

31. Skirmish

A skirmish refers to a small-scale fight or conflict, usually involving a small number of participants. It is often used to describe a brief and minor clash between opposing groups or individuals.

For example, “There was a skirmish between two rival gangs in the alley.”
During a protest, there might be a skirmish between the police and demonstrators.
In a video game, players might engage in skirmishes with enemy characters.

32. Capering

Capering refers to playful and energetic movements, often involving dancing, jumping, or frolicking. It is a term used to describe lively and exuberant behavior.

For instance, “The children were capering around the park, laughing and chasing each other.”
During a music festival, people might be capering to the beat of the music.
A performer might incorporate capering into their act to entertain the audience.

33. Rascals

Rascals are mischievous or naughty individuals who often engage in playful or mildly disruptive behavior. It is a term used to affectionately describe people, particularly children, who are full of energy and often up to no good.

For example, “Those rascals painted graffiti on the school wall again.”
A parent might say, “My kids are such rascals, always finding ways to get into trouble.”
During a comedy show, a comedian might refer to themselves as a rascal, using it as a term of endearment.

34. Jiggery-pokery

Jiggery-pokery refers to deceptive or dishonest behavior, often involving trickery or manipulation. It is a term used to describe actions that are not straightforward or honest.

For instance, “The politician’s jiggery-pokery during the debate was evident to everyone.”
In a magic show, the magician might use jiggery-pokery to create illusions and deceive the audience.
A person might accuse someone of jiggery-pokery if they suspect them of cheating or being dishonest.

35. Rib-tickler

A rib-tickler is a term used to describe a joke or humorous remark that is particularly funny or hilarious. It refers to something that tickles or amuses a person’s sense of humor.

For example, “That comedian’s new stand-up routine is full of rib-ticklers.”
During a comedy show, the audience might burst into laughter at a rib-tickler from the performer.
A person might share a rib-tickler with their friends to lighten the mood and make everyone laugh.

36. Silliness

This term refers to engaging in actions that are lighthearted, playful, and lacking in seriousness. It often involves doing something silly or amusing for entertainment purposes.

For example, a group of friends might engage in silliness by telling jokes and pulling pranks on each other.
During a party, someone might start dancing in a silly manner and encourage others to join in on the silliness.
A comedian’s job is to bring laughter through their silliness and humorous antics.

37. Trickery

Trickery refers to the act of deceiving or fooling someone through cunning or deceitful actions. It involves using clever tactics or manipulations to achieve a desired outcome.

For instance, a magician performs tricks and illusions to entertain the audience through their trickery.
In a game of poker, a player might use trickery to bluff their opponents and make them believe they have a better hand.
A con artist relies on trickery to scam unsuspecting individuals out of their money or valuables.

38. Goofing off

This phrase describes the act of engaging in playful or idle behavior, often when one should be focused or working on something else. It involves goofing around and not taking things too seriously.

For example, instead of studying for an exam, a student might spend their time goofing off by playing video games or chatting with friends.
During a break at work, colleagues might engage in goofing off by telling jokes and playing pranks on each other.
A group of friends might go to the park and spend the day goofing off, enjoying each other’s company without any specific plans or activities.

39. Nonsense

Nonsense refers to behavior or actions that are absurd, meaningless, or lacking in logic. It often involves saying or doing things that make no sense or have no purpose.

For instance, if someone starts speaking gibberish or making up random words, they are engaging in nonsense.
During a heated argument, one person might accuse the other of talking nonsense if their statements lack coherence or factual basis.
A comedian might incorporate nonsense into their act by telling jokes that rely on absurdity and illogical premises.