wisecrack
wisecrack — noun
- wisecracksingular
- wisecracksplural
1. a short joking comment that sounds clever and often carries a mildly mocking ton
a short joking comment that sounds clever and often carries a mildly mocking tone
During lunch, Hui's wisecrack about the cold noodles made everyone laugh.
wisecrack about + topic
The bus driver answered the complaint with a wisecrack instead of an apology.
Eshe's wisecrack about the broken fan eased the tension in class.
One rude wisecrack from the back row silenced the whole room.
- make a wisecrack
- rude wisecrack
- throw in a wisecrack
- wisecrack about
Grammar Patterns
make a wisecrack
wisecrack about + topic
Usage Note
Usually refers to a remark made on the spot. It often sounds cheeky or rude, not warmly playful.
Common Mistakes
wisecrack — verb
- wisecrackpresent simple I / you / we / they
- wisecracks3rd person singular
- wisecracking-ing form
- wisecrackedpast simple
1. to make a quick joking remark, often one that lightly mocks someone or something
to make a quick joking remark, often one that lightly mocks someone or something
'Nice timing,' João wisecracked as the lights went out again.
wisecracked + direct quote
Liam wisecracked about the tiny cake while the candles were still burning.
When the coach tripped, Sivan wisecracked that practice needed softer grass.
wisecracked + that-clause
Gita kept wisecracking during the safety talk until the manager frowned.
- wisecrack about
- wisecrack that
- keep wisecracking
Grammar Patterns
Subject + wisecracked, + 'direct quote'
Subject + wisecracked + that-clause
wisecrack about + topic
Usage Note
Often appears in reports of speech or with direct quotation marks. It usually suggests a joking reply rather than a carefully planned joke.
Common Mistakes
Etymology
First known use
1897
1897, in the meaning defined above Verb