Ten Pranks for the Office to Get Your End of Year Bah Humbug Over

If you didn't get the bonus you deserve or feuds are simmering out of control, here are a few harmless pranks that can take the heat off a tense day at work. But be sure to keep them to yourself. Be aware to use extra-stealthy mode, cameras are everywhere.

1. The Masked Email

If you have someone who likes to drop names, or suggest higher contacts or position in the company, forward them an idea or request with a fictitious tag underneath. They will usually scan down to see where the main idea came from.

You don't have to make it look like they said anything particularly damning, but even hinting you have higher contacts than anyone else, or are getting copied on memos above your pay grade can play havoc with the typical wage slave's insecurities.

2. Laxative Chocolate

If the receptionist has been going overboard loading up her candy dish, offering sweets every day of your diet, it's time to fight back. If you can't find the right product, swizzle some ex-lax in the morning mocha, your treat. The amount will vary depending on the irritation value these people gave you during the year.

3. Trashcan Warfare

His is for really evil office mates whose annoying acts, rude habits, or otherwise antisocial behavior has attracted your ire. If your office facilities staff only removes trash every other day, or if the room is closed for the day, make sure to get the tuna sandwich or spoiled egg salad in the bin with adequate time for spoilage.

When your unwilling victim returns to the scene of the crime, it will stink to high heaven. No amount of spray with take away the offensive odor. If the employee has a meeting, or better yet, a deadline, it's a sure-fire crowd pleaser.

4. Alphabet City Pseudospeak

Use Acronyms thought up with a co-conspirator. Discuss (without breaking into laughter) something very important sounding while others star or outright ask what you're talking about.

This is even better when you can work with a colleague with which you have no previous rapport. Simply by becoming allies and pretending to be unwilling coordinators of some "unnamed" project can stir the waters.

5. The Fluttering Document