shtick

American  

[shtik] / ʃtɪk /

Also schtick, or 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.

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shtick British  

/ ʃtɪk /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of shtick

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

Explanation

Your shtick is the particular gimmick or act you like to perform — it's your theme. After dinner parties, your shtick might be showing everyone your pet cobra. A comedian or performer often has a shtick, which becomes the trick, song, or joke that people associate with her specifically. A clown's shtick could be falling flat on his back, and a pop star's shtick might be sticking out her tongue. In Yiddish, a shtik is "an act or gimmick," or sometimes "a trick or a prank." Literally, the word means "a little piece" or "a slice," from Middle High German stücke, "piece."

Example Sentences

Some shows, like Jessica McKenna and Zach Reino’s “Off Book: The Improvised Musical” — where their whole shtick is to make a musical from scratch on the spot — were born for these moments.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 29, 2025

“How does Mike find himself within his love of Neil? It took me a second to find him and lose my shtick, because I’m a performer too.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 2025

For once, I will say: Don’t drop the strongman shtick.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

In the first few minutes of the interview, Mailman delivers her usual shtick.

From Slate • Oct. 7, 2025

"Thin will ye tell me, Mrs. Ryan, why didn't they shtick till it?"

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 150, January 26, 1916 by Seaman, Owen, Sir