Wisecrack: meaning, definitions and examples

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wisecrack

 

[ หˆwaษชz.krรฆk ]

Noun / Verb
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?

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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. Itโ€™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?

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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.

Translations

Translations of the word "wisecrack" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น piada esperta

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคšเฅเคŸเค•เฅเคฒเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Witz

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ lelucon pintar

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะพั‚ะตะฟ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ dowcip

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ธใƒงใƒผใ‚ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท blague

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ chiste

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท espri

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋†๋‹ด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุฒุญุฉ ุฐูƒูŠุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vtip

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vtip

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไฟ็šฎ่ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ลกala

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ skopi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ำ™ะทั–ะป

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฎแƒฃแƒ›แƒ แƒแƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zarafat

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ chiste

Etymology

The term 'wisecrack' originated in the early 20th century, combining 'wise' (showing good judgment or intelligence) and 'crack' (a sharp or witty remark). It has been used to describe humorous or clever comments in social interactions ever since.

See also: unwise, unwisely, wisdom, wisely.

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.