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Cracker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cracker

[ˈkrækər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

food

A thin, crisp wafer or biscuit, typically made of flour, salt, water, and fat. Crackers are often eaten with cheese or as a snack.

Synonyms

biscuit, soda cracker, wafer.

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Word Description / Examples
cracker

Generally used to refer to a thin, crisp wafer or biscuit, often used as a base for cheese, spreads, or eaten plain. Commonly served at parties or as a snack.

  • I brought some cheese and crackers for the party
  • She always keeps a box of crackers in her desk for a quick snack
biscuit

In American English, it refers to a soft bread roll often served with meals, especially breakfast. In British English, it is a sweet or savory baked good that is crisp and typically eaten as a snack.

  • American: We had biscuits and gravy for breakfast
  • British: Would you like a biscuit with your tea?
wafer

A very thin, crisp, often sweet cookie. Wafers are commonly layered with cream or used in desserts.

  • The ice cream sandwich had a layer of chocolate wafers
  • She enjoyed eating vanilla wafers with her coffee
soda cracker

A type of plain, salted cracker that is typically dry and flaky. Often used as a remedy for an upset stomach or as a light snack.

  • He ate some soda crackers to soothe his upset stomach
  • Soda crackers go well with soup

Examples of usage

  • I love to eat crackers with cheese for a quick snack.
  • She packed some crackers in her lunchbox for a midday treat.
Context #2 | Noun

computer

A person who breaks into computer systems, typically for malicious purposes. Crackers are a threat to cybersecurity and are often involved in illegal activities.

Synonyms

cybercriminal, hacker, intruder.

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Word Description / Examples
cracker

This also refers to a type of thin, crisp baked food, not related to computing. This is a different context entirely.

  • He spread cheese on the cracker before eating it
hacker

Generally used for someone who uses technical skills to gain unauthorized access to systems. It can have a neutral or even positive connotation when referring to someone who solves technical problems in a clever way.

  • The hacker found a vulnerability in the software and reported it to the developers
cybercriminal

This term specifically highlights the illegal aspect of someone's actions in the digital world, often used in legal and media contexts.

  • The cybercriminal was arrested for stealing personal information and selling it on the dark web
intruder

This denotes someone who illegally enters a place, not necessarily related to computers. It often has a negative connotation.

  • The intruder broke into the house while the family was on vacation

Examples of usage

  • The company's website was hacked by a group of crackers last night.
  • Authorities are investigating a cyber attack carried out by crackers.
Context #3 | Noun

slang

A slang term used to refer to a person who is exceptional or outstanding in a particular field. It is often used informally and positively.

Synonyms

ace, expert, whiz.

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Word Description / Examples
cracker

This term can be used informally to describe someone very skilled at something. However, it can also refer to a derogatory term in some contexts, so it should be used with caution.

  • She's a real cracker when it comes to solving puzzles
  • He's a cracker on the soccer field
ace

Ace is often used to describe someone who is very talented or excels in a specific area, like sports or academics. The term has a positive connotation.

  • He's an ace pitcher in baseball
  • She was the ace student in her class

Examples of usage

  • She's a real cracker when it comes to solving puzzles.
  • The new employee is a cracker at coding.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • Crackers were popularized during the Civil War in the United States, as they were a convenient and durable food source for soldiers.
  • The first commercial cracker factory in America was established in 1792 in New Jersey.

Culinary Uses

  • Crackers serve as a versatile base for many toppings like cheeses, meats, and spreads, making them a popular party snack.
  • Certain types of crackers, such as saltines and water crackers, are often suggested when someone is feeling unwell due to their bland flavor.

Cultural Significance

  • In some cultures, crackers are used in traditional meals; for example, they accompany tea or are eaten during celebrations.
  • The 'cheese and cracker' combo has become a common snack pairing in Western culture, exemplifying shared foods at gatherings.

Pop Culture

  • Crackers have been featured in various movies and TV shows, often representing comfort food or snack time with family.
  • Brands like Ritz and Saltines have become iconic, appearing in advertisements and pop culture references throughout the years.

Origin of 'cracker'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cracker' may originate from the Old English 'cracian,' which means 'to break' or 'to crack.'
  • In the 19th century, the term used to refer to a type of dry biscuit made for easy storage and long shelf life.

The word 'cracker' has a complex history with multiple meanings. Its origins can be traced back to the Middle English word 'crak', which means 'loud conversation' or 'boast'. Over time, 'cracker' evolved to refer to a variety of things, from a type of biscuit to a person skilled in a particular field. In the context of cybersecurity, the term 'cracker' emerged in the 1980s as a counterpart to 'hacker', to differentiate between those who break into systems for malicious purposes and those who do so for ethical reasons.

See also: crack, cracked, crackers, cracking, crackle, crackling, crackly.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,395, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.