The Yiddish origins of the word 'shtick'

'Shtick' is a word borrowed from Yiddish 'Stück'. The word entered the English language some time around 1959.

shtick [noun] [1959]

• a usually comic or repetitious performance or routine
• bit
• one's special trait, interest, or activity
• bag

See 'shtick' on the Loan Words Map

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Etymology: Yiddish 'shtik' pranks, literally, piece, from Middle High German 'stücke' from Old High German 'stucki;' akin to Old English 'stycce' piece, Old High German 'stoc' stick

See more loan words from 1950s.