'prank' most likely originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'pranken', where the root meant 'to make merry' or 'to show off'.

'prank' changed from the Middle English verb 'pranken' (and related dialectal forms) and eventually became the modern English word 'prank', used for a mischievous act or practical joke.

Initially, it meant 'to make merry' or 'to show off', but over time it evolved into its current sense of 'a mischievous trick or practical joke'.