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

Choi isn’t averse to shtick, if the result is an explosion of audience laughter.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

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 • Dec. 10, 2025

With a mischievous monkey-like creature as a sidekick, Dek and Thia wander the landscape slaughtering scary critters while pulling off some lightly comical beauty-and-the-beast shtick.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

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

From Slate • Oct. 7, 2025

Faith you've larnt the half av your lesson, Sorr," sez I, "but av you shtick to the Rig'lations you'll niver get thim in-ship at all, at all.

From Soldiers Three by Kipling, Rudyard