Definition

Noun: 1. A characteristic or repeated piece of business, routine, or gimmick: A contrived, often habitual, mannerism or performance bit used by an entertainer or person to attract attention or define their persona. 2. A prank or piece of clowning: A comic routine or trick intended to amuse. 3. A devious trick; a bit of cheating: A dishonest or deceptive act. 4. A little; a piece: (Used informally) A small amount or portion of something.

Note: This word originates from Yiddish and is also commonly spelled "shtick" or "shtik."

Usage Examples

• As a characteristic routine or gimmick:
  • The comedian's main schtik is pretending to be a confused tourist.
  • After a while, his self-deprecating humor felt like a tired schtik.
• As a prank or piece of clowning:
  • His silly schtik with the rubber chicken made the children laugh.
• As a devious trick:
  • The whole sympathy story was just a schtik to get money from people.
• As a little piece (informal, Yiddish-influenced):
  • He offered me a schtik of advice before the meeting.

Advanced Usage

• "To do one's schtik": To perform one's characteristic routine or act.
  • At every party, he does his schtik about being an expert wine taster.
• "No schtik" / "Without any schtik": Honestly, directly, without gimmicks or pretense.
  • She gave a powerful speech, straight talk with no schtik.

Variants and Related Words

• Shtick (n): The most common alternate spelling in English.
• Shtik (n): Another common alternate spelling.
• Schtick (n): A less common variant spelling.

Synonyms

• Gimmick: A trick or device intended to attract attention.
• Routine: A sequence of actions regularly followed; a performance act.
• Act: A performance or persona adopted for effect.
• Gag: A joke or comic bit.
• Ploy: A cunning plan or action designed to turn a situation to one's advantage.

Related Idioms

• "Same old schtik": Referring to a predictable, often tiresome, routine or behavior.
  • His excuses were just the same old schtik.

Noun

1. (Yiddish) a devious trick; a bit of cheating
   • how did you ever fall for a shtik like that?
2. (Yiddish) a prank or piece of clowning
   • his shtik made us laugh
3. (Yiddish) a contrived and often used bit of business that a performer uses to steal attention
   • play it straight with no shtik
4. (Yiddish) a little; a piece
   • give him a shtik cake
   • he's a shtik crazy
   • he played a shtik Beethoven