shtick

IPA/ʃtɪk/
KK[ʃtˈɪk]IPA/ʃtɪk/

shtick — noun

  • shticksingular
  • shticksplural

1. A comedian's particular style, repeated joke format, or funny performance elemen

1.名詞B2
釋義

A comedian's particular style, repeated joke format, or funny performance element that makes their act recognizable and unique.

例句

Minh's shtick involves pretending to misunderstand everyday objects, like using a spatula as a phone.

pattern: possessive + shtick

The comedian's old shtick of falling off the stool still makes the audience laugh.

collocation: old shtick

同義詞
  • routine

    broader term for any set performance, not necessarily humorous

  • bit

    shorter, often a single joke or sketch within a larger routine

  • gag

    a single joke or punchline; shorter than a full shtick

  • gimmick

    often implies a trick or device used to attract attention, sometimes with a negative connotation

文法句型

possessive + shtick

shtick of + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently used with a possessive determiner (his shtick, her shtick). Often implies an element that is repeated across performances and becomes a trademark of the performer.

常見錯誤

❌The comedian's shtick was very formal and serious.
✅The comedian's shtick was very funny and silly.
💡shtick refers to comedy or humour, not to a general performance style.
❌She wrote her shtick in a formal business report.
✅She performed her shtick at the comedy club.
💡shtick is informal and belongs in casual or performance contexts, not formal writing.

2. A personal habit, skill, or special interest that a person is known for — someth

2.名詞C1
釋義

A personal habit, skill, or special interest that a person is known for — something that helps define them in a memorable way.

例句

Ryan's shtick at work is answering the phone with a different movie accent each time.

pattern: possessive + shtick + at [place]

The restaurant owner's shtick is remembering every customer's usual order without writing it down.

同義詞
  • trademark

    more formal; a distinguishing characteristic or feature

  • specialty

    an area of expertise or special skill; less humorous

  • thing

    informal; used in phrases like 'his thing is…' to mean a personal interest or skill

文法句型

possessive + shtick

shtick + as + [role]

shtick + of + [action]

用法筆記

Unlike sense 1 (COMIC ROUTINE), this sense does not require a comedy or performance context — it can refer to any distinctive personal quality. Often used with a light or affectionate tone.

常見錯誤

❌His shtick as a doctor is performing open-heart surgery.
✅His shtick as a doctor is telling jokes before surgery to calm patients.
💡shtick suggests a distinctive personal touch, not the core professional skill itself.