Yiddish Word of the Day: "Shtick"

Definition: A gimmick, comic routine, or characteristic attribute for which a person is known.
Example Sentence: "John's shtick at every family gathering is to tell embarrassingly funny stories from his college days. As groan-inducing as they are, we have to admit they liven up the party."

A Little History: ""Shtick" is a Yiddish word that tells us something about the performance of life itself. Coming from the Yiddish word for "piece," it's used to refer to someone's special routine, their signature move, their piece de resistance, if you will.

Picture this: your uncle at every family gathering pulling out the same old magic tricks that he learned as a boy scout. You've seen it a thousand times, yet he insists on the grand reveal of pulling a quarter out of your ear. That's his "shtick." Or your friend Ruth who has an uncanny ability to turn any conversation around to her collection of antique teapots - yep, you guessed it, that's her "shtick."

"Shtick” is a term that's a wink and a nod to the human love of performance. It's about the quirky, funny, and sometimes annoying habits that make us unique. And the beauty of a good "shtick" is that it can turn even the most mundane moment into a personal stage. So, whether your shtick is dad jokes, outrageous fashion statements, or impressing party guests with your knowledge of 18th-century naval history, own it. After all, the world is your stage, and every shtick adds a bit more character to the grand performance of life!