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 Word Forms

• wisecracker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of wisecrack¹

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

Example Sentences

Indeed, Epstein’s relationship with the Beatles—the most significant facet of his professional achievement—is reduced to a series of wisecracks from the bandmates.

From Salon

Big stars: Watts wrote and directed “Wolfs” with George Clooney and Brad Pitt cast as rival “fixers” swapping wisecracks while trying to clean up a bloody accident.

From Los Angeles Times

At the retirement home, everybody’s got problems — memory loss, cancer, loneliness — but these darker moments alternate with sight gags, punchlines and snarky wisecracks in a way that somehow feels cohesive.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet none of the furry or feathered stars of this meditative, wondrous adventure need to wisecrack their way into our hearts.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

Related Words

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