The phrase refers to minor, playful misbehavior usually related to the Halloween season, as reported or characterised in information articles, particularly inside The New York Occasions. Examples may embody innocent pranks, lighthearted disruptions, or artistic costuming that pushes boundaries with out inflicting vital hurt or offense. These actions are distinct from severe vandalism or felony habits.
Such protection serves a number of functions. It displays cultural attitudes in direction of festive traditions, offering a lens by way of which society views the steadiness between innocent enjoyable and unacceptable conduct. Reporting on these incidents can even act as a barometer of neighborhood spirit, social anxieties, and the evolving norms surrounding vacation celebrations. Moreover, it presents historic context, documenting how public perceptions of Halloween and associated actions have modified over time.