wisecrack

[ wahyz-krak ]

noun

1. a smart or facetious remark.

   Synonyms: quip, witticism, jest

verb (used without object)

1. to make wisecracks.

verb (used with object)

1. to say as a wisecrack.

wisecrack

/ ˈwaɪzˌkræk /

noun

1. a flippant gibe or sardonic remark

verb

1. to make a wisecrack

Derived Forms

• ˈwiseˌcracker, noun

Other Words From

• wisecracker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of wisecrack¹

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15; wise ¹ + crack

Example Sentences

An early example shows Mahesh’s new landlord making a wisecrack that he might be a terrorist.

From Salon

In an era when Islamophobia remains a pervasive set-up, he’s learned that elevating wisecracks over resentment is his preferred, and often only, path forward.

From Los Angeles Times

More powerful than any wisecrack was the space she left for anticipation not only of what she might say but how she might say it.

From Los Angeles Times

Here again is that combination of lightly developed workplace issues, romantic complications and wisecracking banter one finds in most every broadcast procedural, a formula that can keep viewers watching for years.

From Los Angeles Times

In “Crying Inside,” for example, he sings, “I’ve been wisecracking like the good old days / but pretty soon I’m going to slip away.”

From Salon

Related Words

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