Wisecrack: meaning, definitions and examples

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wisecrack

[ˈwaɪz.kræk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in a conversation

A wisecrack is a clever or funny remark made in a conversation, often used to make people laugh or lighten the mood.

Synonyms

banter, joke, quip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wisecrack	A clever and funny remark, often used in a sarcastic or slightly mocking way. Wisecracks are usually made quickly to comment on an immediate situation. After John tripped over his own feet, his friend made a wisecrack about being as graceful as an elephant. The comedian's wisecracks about the politicians had the audience in stitches.
quip	A short, witty remark that is clever and amusing. Quips are often spontaneous and can be used to lighten the mood. During the boring lecture, she made a quip about the professor's monotone voice, which made her friends giggle. His quip about the unpredictable weather was spot on and got everyone laughing.
joke	A story or statement intended to make people laugh. Jokes can be verbal, physical, or written and are often set up with a punchline. She told a joke about a chicken crossing the road, and everyone laughed. He enjoys making up jokes to entertain his friends at parties.
banter	Light, playful, and friendly conversation where participants exchange teasing remarks. It’s mutual and intended to be fun without any serious offense. The banter between the two hosts made the show enjoyable for the viewers. They engaged in some friendly banter before the meeting started.

Examples of usage

He always has a witty wisecrack ready in any conversation.
Her wisecracks never fail to brighten up the atmosphere.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

social setting

To wisecrack means to make clever or funny remarks in a social setting, usually to entertain others or provoke laughter.

Synonyms

banter, joke, quip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wisecrack	Used when making a clever, sharp, often sarcastic or witty remark, usually meant to be funny but can sometimes be biting. She couldn't resist making a wisecrack about his new haircut. His wisecracks often got him in trouble with the teachers.
joke	Used for any humorous statement, story, or action meant to make people laugh. He told a funny joke that made everyone at the party laugh. She's always making jokes to lighten the mood.
banter	Used for playful, friendly, and light-hearted conversation, often involving teasing or joking between friends. Their banter made the long road trip more enjoyable. He joined the group, immediately fitting into their easy banter.
quip	Used for a short, witty remark, often spontaneously made in reply to something, and can occasionally have a sharp edge. When asked if he was tired, he quipped, 'Tired? I've never even heard of the word!' Her quip about the weather drew a laugh from the crowd.

Examples of usage

She loves to wisecrack during parties to keep everyone entertained.
His ability to wisecrack effortlessly makes him popular among his friends.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term combines 'wise,' meaning smart or clever, and 'crack,' an old slang term for making a joke or comment.
It first appeared in American English in the early 20th century, showcasing the playful nature of comedy at that time.
The word has evolved to encapsulate a mix of humor and intelligence, often used in playful banter.

Pop Culture

Many stand-up comedians are known for their wisecracks, using rapid-fire humor to engage audiences.
Iconic TV shows like 'The Simpsons' and 'Friends' feature characters who frequently deliver wisecracks to reflect their personalities.
In movies, characters known for their quick wit often become fan favorites due to their sharp wisecracks that lighten the mood.

Psychology

Wisecracking often indicates quick thinking and high levels of cognitive flexibility, allowing individuals to make connections rapidly.
Humor, including wisecracks, can relieve stress and improve social bonding among peers, making it an important aspect of communication.
Research shows that humor, including light teasing, can enhance creativity and problem-solving by encouraging out-of-the-box thinking.

Literature

Writers like Oscar Wilde are known for their clever quips and wisecracks, often critiquing society through humor.
In classic literature, characters who use wisecracks often represent wit and intelligence, showcasing their unique worldview.
Many plays incorporate wisecracks to create comedic relief, allowing serious themes to be approached in a lighter manner.

Entertainment

Improvisational comedy heavily relies on wisecracks to keep the humor spontaneous and engaging.
Comedy films often utilize the rapid-fire delivery of wisecracks to maintain a fast-paced and entertaining narrative.
Television sitcoms have used wisecracks for decades as a staple for character development and comedic timing.

Translations

Translations of the word "wisecrack" in other languages:

🇵🇹 piada esperta

🇮🇳 चुटकुला

🇩🇪 Witz

🇮🇩 lelucon pintar

🇺🇦 дотеп

🇵🇱 dowcip

🇯🇵 ジョーク

🇫🇷 blague

🇪🇸 chiste

🇹🇷 espri

🇰🇷 농담

🇸🇦 مزحة ذكية

🇨🇿 vtip

🇸🇰 vtip

🇨🇳 俏皮话

🇸🇮 šala

🇮🇸 skopi

🇰🇿 әзіл

🇬🇪 ხუმრობა

🇦🇿 zarafat

🇲🇽 chiste

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,498, 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.

...
38495 bogging
38496 poseur
38497 mattering
38498 wisecrack
38499 homophony
38500 brooklet
38501 contritely
...