cracker
UK: ˈkrækə | US: ˈkrækər
n. a thin, crisp baked good, often savory
n. a person or thing that cracks (e.g., "nutcracker")
n. (slang, offensive) a derogatory term for a white person (historical/regional usage)
The word "cracker" originates from the verb "crack," derived from Old English cracian (to resound, break sharply). The suffix "-er" denotes an agent or tool, forming a noun meaning "one who or that which cracks." Initially, it referred to objects like nutcrackers or fireworks. By the 18th century, it extended to describe crisp biscuits (from the sound they make when broken). The slang usage emerged in the 1760s among Southern U.S. colonists, possibly mocking poor whites' resourcefulness (e.g., "corn-crackers").
She served cheese and crackers at the party.
The nutcracker was shaped like a soldier.
Firecrackers lit up the night sky during the festival.
(Historical context) The term "cracker" was used in colonial Georgia to describe frontier settlers.
The software acts as a password cracker for security testing.