a party trick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a party trick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a skill or performance that is entertaining and typically showcased at social gatherings or parties. Example: "She amazed everyone with her ability to juggle three balls as her party trick."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's a party trick.

The New Yorker

"It was like a party trick".

The New Yorker

Talk about a party trick!

The New York Times

The story ends with a party trick of sorts.

The New Yorker

It makes telekinesis look like a party trick.

The New Yorker

Management consulting isn't a science, Stewart says; it's a party trick.

The New Yorker

Harves recalled a party trick that she and her fiancé liked to employ in graduate school.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

A hefty expense for a simple party trick, perhaps but a small price to pay to join the Jedi Order.

Forbes

But according to new research, Koko's ability to cough on command is not just a neat party trick or a manufactured heartwarming moment.

The Washington Post

It's also a design with a superb party trick.

Forbes

But that was more like a fun party trick than a reason to be concerned.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a skill as "a party trick", ensure it genuinely entertains or impresses in social settings, rather than just being a quirky habit.

Common error

Avoid labeling complex professional abilities as "a party trick", as this can diminish their true value and expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a party trick" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a predicate nominative or object of a verb. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

8%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a party trick" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a skill or performance meant for entertainment in social settings. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It appears most frequently in news and media, often referring to entertaining abilities or quirky actions. While versatile, it’s important to consider the context; labeling serious skills as "a party trick" might diminish their importance. Alternatives such as "an entertaining stunt" or "a clever performance" offer slightly different nuances, allowing for more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an entertaining stunt

Replaces "trick" with "stunt", implying a more physically impressive or daring feat.

a crowd-pleasing skill

Replaces the term with emphasis on the skill's effect on an audience.

a memorable feat

It's a rewording where 'feat' is the center of attention.

a clever performance

Substitutes "party trick" with "clever performance", emphasizing the intelligence and skill involved.

an amusing talent

Replaces the wording to talent.

a captivating display

Uses the wording of an engaging display as the main skill.

a delightful routine

Replaces the wording with routine, making reference of something more usual.

a showy skill

Replaces the neutral term "trick" with "showy skill", highlighting the element of display and flair.

a fun demonstration

Changes "party trick" to "fun demonstration", making it sound more instructional and less about deception.

a neat little act

Uses "neat little act" instead of "party trick", which suggests a brief and skillful performance.

FAQs

How can I use "a party trick" in a sentence?

You can use "a party trick" to describe a skill or performance done for entertainment at social gatherings. For example, "His ability to solve Rubik's Cubes quickly was always "a party trick" he'd show off."

What's a less common way to say "a party trick"?

Alternatives include "an entertaining stunt" or "a clever performance", which can add nuance depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to describe a serious skill as "a party trick"?

While technically correct, describing a serious skill as "a party trick" can undermine its complexity and value. It's best reserved for lighthearted or purely entertaining skills.

What is the difference between "a party trick" and "a talent"?

"A talent" is a natural aptitude or skill, whereas "a party trick" is specifically a skill performed for entertainment at social events. A talent can be used as "a party trick", but not all talents are party tricks.