Crackerjack Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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crackerjack
[หkrรฆkษrหjรฆk ]
Definitions
excellent person
A crackerjack is someone who stands out for their exceptional skills or abilities. This term is often used to describe a person who is very adept at a certain task or profession, showcasing remarkable talent and efficiency. Originating from early 20th century American slang, the term conveys a sense of admiration for someone's capabilities.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He's a real crackerjack when it comes to solving complex problems.
- Our team won the championship thanks to our crackerjack players.
- She is a crackerjack at negotiating deals.
superior quality
The term crackerjack can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is of superior quality or outstanding. It implies that the subject, whether a person, product, or service, is exceptionally good and surpasses the usual standards. This usage emphasizes excellence and high performance.
Synonyms
excellent, outstanding, phenomenal, superb.
Examples of usage
- The restaurant serves crackerjack meals that keep customers coming back.
- Her crackerjack presentation impressed the entire audience.
- This new software is crackerjack, making tasks much easier.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- The phrase became widely known due to the Cracker Jack brand of caramel-coated popcorn and peanuts, introduced in 1896, with its tagline promoting quality.
- In the world of entertainment, the song 'Crackerjack' from the 1980s further popularized the term, associating it with fun and success.
- The classic board game 'Crackerjack' involves clever strategies, reflecting the essence of being sharp and skillful.
Psychology
- Being a 'crackerjack' can boost self-esteem as it often reinforces positive social recognition and personal achievement.
- The term's appeal lies in its upbeat connotation, which can motivate individuals to pursue excellence in their endeavors.
- Social comparison theory suggests that the recognition associated with being a 'crackerjack' can influence an individualโs drive to outperform peers.
Literature
- In literature, characters described as crackerjacks often possess wit, bravery, or exceptional intelligence, making them memorable heroes.
- The term appears frequently in the works of early 20th-century authors, denoting characters with standout qualities that catch the reader's attention.
- Poets have employed the term to convey admiration for individuals who exhibit extraordinary talents, making it a staple in descriptive writing.
History
- The early use of 'crackerjack' reflected a time in America when talent and skill development were highly valued amid industrial growth.
- During the Great Depression, 'crackerjack' was used to encourage people to develop their skills as a way to adapt and thrive despite economic hardships.
- The phrase has evolved over the years, maintaining its positive connotation, especially in contexts celebrating achievement or excellence.
Origin of 'crackerjack'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'crackerjack' dates back to American slang of the late 19th century, originally used to describe something excellent or exceptional.
- It is believed to derive from the combination of 'cracker,' meaning something that makes a sharp sound, and 'jack,' a term for a man or boy, suggesting a lively or outstanding person.
- Joseph 'Cracker Jack' Voss, a famous baseball player of the early 1900s, helped popularize the term, highlighting exceptional talent.
The word "crackerjack" first appeared in the United States in the late 19th century and is believed to derive from the combination of 'cracker,' meaning something excellent or first-rate, and 'jack,' a term used to signify a man or a person. The term is thought to have originated from the phrase 'crackerjack box,' which was used to describe a prize in a game or competition, symbolizing something of great value or quality. By the early 20th century, the term had become associated with both a person of remarkable skill and with high-quality products. Over the decades, its usage evolved to capture not just individuals who excel in their fields but also items and experiences recognized for their outstanding nature. Today, 'crackerjack' continues to adorn colloquial speech as a term of praise.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #39,714, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.
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- 39711 blamelessly
- 39712 jawing
- 39713 huffily
- 39714 crackerjack
- 39715 palling
- 39716 damply
- 39717 freakishly
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