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

Example Sentences

You can say his act is getting stale, the whole shtick thinning out, but only when an act is truly vivid and has truly pierced can you trace the ups and downs of its lifespan.

From The Wall Street Journal

Musk’s time at the agency was tumultuous, as the political novice quickly realized that insiders were not impressed by his chainsaw-wielding shtick.

From Salon

While no financial records are publicly available for Whatever and Atlas did not respond to Salon’s requests for an interview, he’s clearly making a mint from this repetitious shtick.

From Salon

“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

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

From The Wall Street Journal