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REFERENCE

cracked

adj.
US //ˈkɹækt// UK //kɹˈækt// cracked
  1. 1 damaged with lines (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    having thin lines on the surface because of damage, but not completely broken into pieces.

    exhibiting narrow fissures or surface breaks without total structural failure.

    Example

    I need to get my phone screen fixed because it is badly cracked.

    Example

    The archaeologist carefully brushed the dirt away from the cracked surface of the ancient vase, hoping the structural damage was only superficial.
  2. 2 highly skilled (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal Sport

    extremely good at something, especially playing video games.

    demonstrating exceptional skill or mechanical precision, particularly within the context of competitive gaming.

    Example

    That player is absolutely cracked; he hasn't missed a single shot all game.

    Example

    The community considers the new rookie cracked after he managed to outplay three professional veterans during the final round of the tournament.

    Teacher's tip

    This is very common in Gen Z and gaming culture; it is a high compliment for skill, not a negative term.
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  1. 3 crazy (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Slang

    acting in a strange or crazy way.

    mentally unstable or eccentric. Often used in the phrase 'cracked-up'.

    Example

    You must be cracked if you think you can jump over that wide river.

    Example

    The old man lived in a house full of clocks and had some rather cracked ideas about how time actually worked.
  2. 4 harsh sound (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary Music

    sounding rough or broken, like a voice that is losing its strength.

    characterised by a harsh, dissonant, or broken quality, typically referring to a person's voice or a musical note.

    Example

    He tried to sing the high note, but his cracked voice made it sound terrible.

    Example

    The singer's cracked delivery added a layer of raw emotion to the performance, though it was technically imperfect.
Origin

See crack. The origin of the slang sense “skilled (at a game)” is disputed, but may derive from the much older term crack shot (“one who is skilled at shooting”). Compare cracking, crackerjack.

Idioms1 entry

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