wisecrack

American  

[wahyz-krak] / ˈwaɪzˌkræk /

noun

1. a smart or facetious remark.

   Synonyms:

   quip, witticism, jest

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verb (used without object)

1. to make wisecracks.

verb (used with object)

1. to say as a wisecrack.

wisecrack British  

/ ˈwaɪzˌkræk /

noun

1. a flippant gibe or sardonic remark

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verb

1. to make a wisecrack

Other Word Forms

• wisecracker noun

Etymology

Origin of wisecrack

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15; wise ¹ + crack

Example Sentences

Nicholas Brendon, best known for portraying the loyal, wisecracking Xander Harris in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” died Friday from natural causes after dealing with a congenital heart defect and other health issues in recent years.

From Los Angeles Times

The other is “Fleabag”: Like Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s acidic reprobate, Ms. Weisz’s character is unconstrained by a fourth wall, sharing with us, reflecting, observing, making wisecracks but not being particularly funny.

From The Wall Street Journal

We gather her keen interest isn’t entirely touristy but also, because Hinds is so good, that his wisecracks about religion — which she bristles at — have a basis in something personal, too.

From Los Angeles Times

“Wow—you really have a way with girls,” Jonah wisecracked.

From Literature

Baldwin wisecracked, fully aware that he was about to be slaughtered.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• clowning
• gag
• one-liner
• prank
• quip
• witticism
• zinger