shtick
Comedian's trademark bit
Shtick is a performer's signature routine, gimmick, or style—the bit that makes them recognizable: His shtick is playing the befuddled professor.
More broadly, it describes anyone's characteristic behavior or angle: What's her shtick?
The word comes from Yiddish and often carries a slightly dismissive tone, suggesting something predictable or calculated rather than genuine.
Small amount or portion
- gagMouth restraint or jest
- actDeed or performance
- numberSymbol representing quantity
- gimmickAttention-getting device or trick
skit · monologue · set · material · patter · opener · closer · callback
Nature, symbol, or role
- trademarkRegistered commercial identifier
- signatureHandwritten name for verification
- gimmickAttention-getting device or trick
- mannerismDistinctive personal habit
affectation · quirk · facade · alter-ego · stage presence · mask · image · caricature
Poultry fat or sentimentality
- chutzpahShameless, admirable audacity
- schmoozeChat to gain favor
- kvetchHabitual grumbler
- schlepAwkward, effortful journey
klutz · maven · oy · kosher · schlock · schmuck · mensch · nosh
bit
Small amount or portion
gimmick · skit · monologue · set · material · patter · opener · closer · callback · tagline
character
Nature, symbol, or role
- trademarkRegistered commercial identifier
- signatureHandwritten name for verification
- gimmickAttention-getting device or trick
mannerism · affectation · quirk · facade · alter-ego · stage presence · mask · image · caricature · exaggeration
schmaltz
Poultry fat or sentimentality
schlep · klutz · maven · oy · kosher · schlock · schmuck · mensch · nosh · kibitz
stand-up
Solo comedic performance
- vaudevilleTheatrical variety entertainment
- slapstickExaggerated physical humor
- burlesqueExaggerated mockery or risqué variety
cabaret · sketch · parody · clowning · farce · revue · variety · pantomime · physical comedy · deadpan
comedian
Professional humor performer
- comicFunny performer or publication
- performerOne who entertains audiences
- showmanDramatic, attention-grabbing performer
huckster · pitchman · clown · impressionist · emcee · funnyman · hack · headliner · warm-up · straight man
shticksincerity
Honest, unfeigned genuineness
authenticity · genuineness · earnestness · candor · unaffectedness
shtickimprovisation
Spontaneous, unplanned creation
spontaneity · ad-libbing · extemporization · freestyling · winging it
shtickoriginality
Novel creative quality
innovation · novelty · reinvention · freshness · substance