cracker

crack-er · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A thin, crisp biscuit or wafer, often salted.

  2. 2.

    (British) A small paper tube that makes a bang when pulled apart, used at Christmas.

  3. 3.

    A person or thing that cracks something.

  4. 4.

    (Computing) A person who illegally breaks into computer systems.

  5. 5.

    (Informal, British) Something excellent or remarkable.

  6. 6.

    (Offensive, US) A derogatory term for a poor white person, especially in the South.

Forms

plural: crackers

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    Christmas cracker — a festive tube that pops when pulled
  • •
    nutcracker — a device for cracking nuts

Related words

See also: biscuit, chip, snack
Synonyms: biscuit, wafer

Etymology

From "crack" + "-er" suffix. The food sense dates from the 18th century.