crackerjack: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Upper-Intermediate to Advanced)Informal, somewhat dated or nostalgic; occasionally used for deliberate emphasis.
Quick answer
What does “crackerjack” mean?
A person or thing of exceptional quality or ability.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or thing of exceptional quality or ability; first-rate; excellent.
As an adjective, it describes something as excellent or top-notch. As a noun, it also historically referred to a type of sweet popcorn and peanut snack, and more archaically, a bold or showy person. It can also refer to a thing or person that is an outstanding example of its kind.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated in and is most strongly associated with American English. In British English, its use is recognized but perceived as an Americanism, often with a slightly jocular or consciously borrowed feel.
Connotations
In AmE: Nostalgic, informal praise. In BrE: Often seen as a consciously adopted American term, sometimes used in advertising or playful contexts.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but higher recognition and occasional use in American English. Rare in contemporary British speech.
Grammar
How to Use “crackerjack” in a Sentence
a crackerjack [N]be a crackerjack at [V-ing/N][N] is/was a crackerjackVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crackerjack” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not used as a verb)
American English
- (Not used as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- He's a crackerjack programmer, absolutely brilliant.
- They put on a crackerjack show for the village fête.
American English
- She's a crackerjack trial lawyer, known for winning tough cases.
- The Yankees have a crackerjack pitching rotation this season.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might be used informally to praise a high-performing employee or team ('our crackerjack marketing department').
Academic
Virtually non-existent; too informal and idiomatic.
Everyday
Used in informal praise, often with a touch of humour or nostalgia ('My granddad was a crackerjack carpenter.').
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crackerjack”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crackerjack”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crackerjack”
- Spelling as 'cracker jack' (two words is only for the snack).
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Overusing it, making speech sound unnatural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it's a strong, informal compliment meaning excellent or exceptionally skilled.
Yes, it can. You can have a 'crackerjack gadget' or a 'crackerjack idea', meaning it's excellent or very effective.
Its peak usage was in the early-to-mid 20th century, especially in American slang. It is kept alive today through nostalgic use and the famous 'Cracker Jack' snack brand.
The snack (caramel-coated popcorn and peanuts) was named using this slang term in the 1890s to suggest it was a 'first-rate' treat. The brand popularized the term.
A person or thing of exceptional quality or ability.
Crackerjack is usually informal, somewhat dated or nostalgic; occasionally used for deliberate emphasis. in register.
Crackerjack: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkræk.ə.dʒæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkræk.ɚ.dʒæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a crackerjack of a [something] (e.g., 'He gave a crackerjack of a speech.')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'cracker' (something that breaks with a snap, implying sharpness) and a 'jack' (a man or a tool). A 'crackerjack' is a sharp, excellent person or tool.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXCELLENCE IS BEING SHARP/CRISP (from 'cracker')
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'crackerjack' be LEAST appropriate?