No other month has a more interesting, and dare we say, amusing, start than April. Once the fourth month of the year has begun, pranks, jokes and other acts or posts, mark the day. While these things are intended to be good fun, a few others may count as going overboard. At a time when people are emphasizing the need for inclusivity, sensitivity and political correctness, one has to be mindful of when good fun may count as over the top.
Join in the fun, but don’t be a fool this April Fools. Here are a few ways to tell what’s good fun and what’s not.
Good Fun: Puns and jokes, and slight roasts, about the occasion itself. E.g.,
Believe nothing and trust no one this April Fools’ Day. So it’s just like any other day.
Excuse me, sir. Do you think they named April Fools’ Day in your honor?
Good Fun: Puns and jokes, and slight roasts, about yourself. E.g.,
Being in a relationship (if your circle is well aware that you are that single friend)
Losing weight (read: your ex’s) when you just went through a breakup
Getting a new hairstyle
Not: False announcements about things you don’t lie about such as
Contracting illnesses
Marriage proposals
Pregnancies and miscarriages
Deaths
Putting up a pet for adoption
Crowdfunding for any fake cause
Good Fun:
Jump scare/surprise pranks (provided that the person you subject it to doesn’t have any underlying health conditions that may be risky for them)
Fake stinks, fart sounds
Little, unexpected noises when one steps or sits on the rug or couch
Party poppers with no occasion
It can be tricky to draw the line between a cheeky April Fools’ Day joke or prank and a distasteful jab that uses the occasion as an excuse to do it. Stay tasteful, smart and real; keep the day light and fun, and go about it in good spirits. Happy April Fools’ Day!