shtick
Americannoun
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(especially in comic acting) a routine or piece of business inserted to gain a laugh or draw attention to oneself.
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one's special interest, talent, etc.
noun
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 ); cf. 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."
Vocabulary lists containing shtick
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Suozzi and Moolenaar kicked off the 2020 NPB with a running shtick — juxtaposing their backgrounds.
From Salon ● May 29, 2026
Ferrell’s shtick on social media is accepting challenges from his followers and then taping himself attempting to do what they propose.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 29, 2026
Other parts of Mr. Carlson’s shtick fall apart on examination.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 20, 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
So he flung the shtick agin the wall, 'Divil take the shtick,' says he, an' went out quick, an' the shtick fell back from the wall an' hit her an the head.
From Irish Wonders by D. R. (David Russell) McAnally
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