noun

dido

DYE-doh/dˈaɪdoʊ/

A playful or mischievous act.

The young man's playful dido puts bunny ears behind the older man's head.

A young man playfully makes bunny ears behind an older man's head while the older man notices and laughs—a harmless mischievous antic.

Etymology

The origin is mysterious, though the name of Queen Dido is one possibility. The word was used especially in “cut didoes,” meaning to perform pranks or capers.

More examples

Her latest dido involves hiding a rubber spider in my shoe.
The twins are always up to some harmless didoes.
We enjoy his didoes, but sometimes he goes too far.

Forms

dido · didoes · didos

Similar words

prank: Usually involves a practical joke played on someone else.
antic: Emphasizes silly or exaggerated behavior meant to amuse others.
caper: Suggests a playful escapade rather than a single joke.