The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word WEDGIE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
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More clues leading to the result WEDGIE
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "pulling prank on American" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case pulling prank on american = wedgie.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does WEDGIE mean?
WEDGIE noun- A wedge-heeled shoe.
- A prank in which a person's underpants are pulled up sharply from behind in order to wedge the clothing uncomfortably between the person's buttocks.
- A situation where a person's underpants are stuck uncomfortably between their buttocks.
- A basketball stuck between the rim and the backboard following a field goal, free throw, rebound, or block attempt.
- Wedge-tailed eagle
- To play the wedgie prank on.