shtick

Also schtick,
Or shtik

[shtik]

noun

Slang.

1. (especially in comic acting) a routine or piece of business inserted to gain a laugh or draw attention to oneself.

2. one's special interest, talent, etc.

shtick

/ ʃtɪk /

noun

1. slang,  a comedian's routine; act; piece

Word History and Origins

Origin of shtick¹

First recorded in 1955–60; from Yiddish shtik “pranks, whims,” literally, “piece,” from Middle High German stücke, Old High German stucki ( German Stück ); stucco

Word History and Origins

Origin of shtick¹

C20: from Yiddish shtik piece, from Middle High German stücke

Example Sentences

But the sharpest satire of all may be Lola herself who — spoiler! — falls for her own shtick in the end.

From Los Angeles Times

The cutesy performance shtick around a shoestring variety show — imagine Pee-wee’s Playhouse without the bewitching oddity — grows wearying.

From Los Angeles Times

Pirro’s tough-girl shtick may elicit praise from the boss and favorable coverage from her former Fox News peers, but it doesn’t translate to credibility in court.

From Salon

His bitter shtick offered a prescient preview of the grievance politics that would fuel his future boss into power.

From Los Angeles Times

But the staginess of the writing makes it difficult for any of the actors to transcend the shtick that’s been assigned to them.

From Los Angeles Times