Cracker

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

UK: /ˈkræk.ər/

US: /ˈkræk.ɚ/

Definitions

• A thin, crisp biscuit, often salted.
• A person or thing that cracks.
• (Computing) A person who breaks into computer systems, often illegally.
• (Slang, chiefly US, offensive) A derogatory term for a poor white person, particularly in the southern United States.
• (British) A Christmas cracker, a festive item that makes a noise when pulled apart.
• (Australian slang) Something excellent or impressive.

Usage Examples

• She served cheese with a plate of crackers.
• The computer cracker was arrested for hacking into government systems.
• That was a cracker of a goal!

Etymology

Derived from the verb "crack," meaning "to break or split." The term has evolved over time to refer to different objects and concepts.

Synonyms

• Biscuit
• Hacker (for computing context)
• Firework (for Christmas cracker)
• Stunner (Australian slang)

Antonyms

• Soft bread (for biscuit meaning)
• Cybersecurity expert (for computing context)

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˈkræk.ər/
• American English: /ˈkræk.ɚ/
• Australian English: /ˈkræk.ər/ (also used as slang for something impressive)

Historical Usage

The word "cracker" has had various meanings over centuries, from describing someone who cracks things (16th century) to being a term for biscuits (19th century). The slang term for an outstanding thing ("a cracker of a match") is common in Australia and Britain.

Cultural Nuances

In the UK, "cracker" refers to a festive item used at Christmas, whereas in Australia, it is a slang term for something excellent. In the US, "cracker" has both a food-related meaning and a controversial racial connotation.

More Information

The word "cracker" showcases how language evolves across cultures and contexts. While primarily known as a type of biscuit, it also has slang meanings in computing, regional dialects, and celebrations.