Wisecracks

/ˈwaɪzˌkræks/ noun

Definition

Clever, funny remarks or jokes made quickly, often meant to sound smart or amusing.

Etymology

Compound of 'wise' and 'crack' (to make a remark). Popular in American slang by the 1920s for witty one-liners.

Kelly Says

Wisecracks became part of American slang in the 1920s alongside stand-up comedy culture—before that, humor was mostly formal or literary, but wisecracks let ordinary people be funny in everyday conversation!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.