What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shtick
Example
His shtick involves a lot of physical comedy and exaggerated facial expressions. [shtick: noun]
Example
She always starts her presentations with a joke, it's become her shtick. [shtick: noun]
gimmick
Example
The restaurant's gimmick is that all the food is served on miniature plates. [gimmick: noun]
Example
The company's latest advertising campaign uses a gimmick where customers can win prizes by scanning a QR code. [gimmick: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gimmick is more commonly used than shtick in everyday language, especially in marketing and advertising contexts. Shtick is less common and is typically used in entertainment or comedy settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shtick and gimmick?
Both shtick and gimmick are informal words, but gimmick is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while shtick is more informal and is typically used in casual conversations or entertainment settings.
