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

According to the new musical “Working Girl,” based on Mike Nichols’ 1988 film, they mostly want to sing derivative ’80 pop songs and humor themselves with broad comic shtick.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 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

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 • Jun. 28, 2025

So de veller cot elegded pefore de beople foundt On vhitch site of der coose it vas he shtick so awful soundt.

From The Breitmann Ballads by Leland, Charles Godfrey