pratt

Definition

Or: prat. ETYMOLOGY: Lawrence Paros. The Erotic Tongue (1984): ' A fine word which originated with the Old English praet for "prank," which, in addition to being an a*s, also doubled as a vagina during the nineteenth century. It was from the first meaning that many a vaudevillian and silent film star developed his pratfalls, building entire comedy routines about them.'

1. In 16-19 ^th century England, the backside, the posterior. See ass for synonyms.

2. From the 1930s onward, the female genitals. See vagina for synonyms.

3. To pratt for , to bend over to assume a receptive position for anal intercourse.

4. In Britain, a mild term of abuse for an (incompetent) fool. ' That silly pratt! '