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DictionaryshtickDistinctive routine or style
noun

shtick

SHTIK/ʃtɪk/

A characteristic routine or way of behaving that someone is known for.

The comic's shtick is balancing three hats while the audience laughs.

A comic performs a distinctive silly repeated hat-balancing routine, balancing three plain hats while the two seated audience members laugh; just three stools and a small platform edge.
Etymology
shtickYiddishpiece; act, gimmick

Yiddish shtik literally means a “piece” or “slice,” but also an act or gimmick. That performance sense gives English its term for a characteristic routine or recognizable comic style.

In context

MooLer273:27
the whole point of the shtick with high top is to be like look at how authentic in my feelings i am
EFAP #167 - Exploring the combined intellecutal fortitude of HiTop, Browntable and Cinema Robert

More examples

  • His grumpy shtick hides how much he enjoys helping people.
  • She opens every meeting with the same motivational shtick.
  • The two comedians have completely different shticks.

Forms

shtick · shticks

Similar words

routine
Emphasizes a repeated sequence, not necessarily someone's distinctive style.
gimmick
Emphasizes an attention-getting trick rather than a characteristic persona.
trademark
Can describe any recognizable personal feature, not just behavior.