I have ALWAYS seen this sort of "teasing" and especially "practical jokes" as a not-so-subtle attempt to belittle, to demean, to criticize without actually having to COMMIT to the overt act. I see such actions as cowardly and underhanded. There's nothing remotely funny about laughter at someone else's expense. If someone tries to make it at my expense, they will regret it. Instantly.
My consistent response to this is active and immediate hostility toward the perpetrator. No remorse. I have never been fooled by one of these mean-spirited attempts. I have never had to use violence, but, utilizing their own under-the-table method of expression, have intimated it without being overt (which, of course, never fools them, nor is it intended to), with powerful effect on my subject. They get the message. Don't try this. Ever again.
Largely, they never get the opportunity to do so. I won't have such people around me and excluding them is easy to accomplish.
I deal with people fairly and directly. If they can't or won't interact with me on the same basis, they are gone. I am part of NO social hierarchy, no one is above me and none below. IF I chose to interact with anymore it WILL be on the basis of equality. If ANY attempt is made to alter this, it is unacceptable and rejection is the instant result.
I am not a chimpanzee. If others are content to act like such, they then need the company of other lower primates. Not moi.
