'prankster' originates from the word 'prank,' which comes from Middle Dutch 'pranken,' meaning 'to show off or to display.'

'prank' evolved from the Middle Dutch word 'pranken' and eventually became the modern English word 'prankster' by adding the suffix '-ster' to denote a person who performs the action.

Initially, 'prank' meant 'to show off,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a mischievous trick or joke.'