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

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

From Los Angeles Times

More familiar as a wisecracking action hero in blockbusters like Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World, this role is quite a departure for him.

From BBC

Burry is just as likely to be dismissed on social media, where jokers trot out a version of a wisecrack that he predicted 20 of the last two recessions.

From The Wall Street Journal

Squibb is renowned for her crotchety wisecracks, but this touching comedy about unexpected friendship and the different levels of truth allows her to show off another of her remarkable talents: listening.

From Los Angeles Times

Soon, though, the wisecrack gives way to more sober ruminations.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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