A
spectacular fall. Could
describe an actual fall on the
buttocks (prat) or a fall (preferably one that includes
slipping or
tripping,
flailing of the
arms, and
damage to
furniture) done with the
intention of creating
laughter. Masters of the comedic pratfall include
Buster Keaton,
Charlie Chaplin,
David Jason, and
Roberto Benigni, although most
Americans nowadays are familiar with this comic bit from
Saturday Night Live performers like
Chevy Chase and
Molly Shannon.
Can also describe any blunder or mishap.