crackjaw: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowInformal, Humorous, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “crackjaw” mean?
A word, name, or phrase that is extremely difficult to pronounce.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A word, name, or phrase that is extremely difficult to pronounce.
Something, typically language, that is awkward, convoluted, or causes strain or difficulty in articulation or comprehension.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare in both varieties. Historical usage slightly more attested in British sources.
Connotations
Playful mockery of linguistic difficulty.
Frequency
Extremely uncommon in modern usage; found mainly in historical texts or as a deliberate archaism.
Grammar
How to Use “crackjaw” in a Sentence
It is a crackjaw.That's a real crackjaw of a word.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crackjaw” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Welsh town name was a crackjaw nightmare for tourists.
- He avoided using crackjaw medical terminology.
American English
- That's a real crackjaw last name you have!
- The scientific paper was full of crackjaw jargon.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rarely used, perhaps in historical linguistics discussions.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would be used humorously if at all.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crackjaw”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crackjaw”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crackjaw”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I crackjawed the word').
- Using it to describe a person instead of a word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic term from the 19th century and is very rarely used in modern English.
No, historical and modern dictionaries only record it as a noun or adjective.
"Tongue-twister" or "jawbreaker" are the closest modern equivalents.
No, it is a humorous, informal term, not offensive. However, calling a person's name a 'crackjaw' could be seen as mildly impolite.
A word, name, or phrase that is extremely difficult to pronounce.
Crackjaw is usually informal, humorous, archaic in register.
Crackjaw: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrakdʒɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrækˌdʒɔː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a regular crackjaw.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine your JAW CRACKing from the strain of trying to say a difficult word.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIFFICULT PRONUNCIATION IS PHYSICAL STRAIN/INJURY.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'crackjaw'?