smarmy
English
WOTD – 22 February 2008
Etymology
smarm + -y[en 1] Apparently coined by "B.R.L., of Brighton" with sense "saying treacly things which do not sound genuine" in a competition for neologisms in The Academy (London) published on 14 January 1899.[en 2]
Pronunciation
- (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈsmɑː.mi/
- (General American) IPA(key): /ˈsmɑɹ.mi/
Audio (US) (file) Audio (AU) (file) - Rhymes: -ɑː(ɹ)mi
Adjective
smarmy (comparative smarmier, superlative smarmiest)
- Falsely earnest, smug, ingratiating, or pious.
- a smarmy salesman with a big smile
- 2019, “Ultimate Guide: Duck Hunt”, in Darran Jones, editor, 100 Games to Play Before You Die: Nintendo Consoles Edition (Retro Gamer), third edition, Future, page 43:
- Starring a smarmy dog and scores of hapless flying wildfowl, Duck Hunt was the game that introduced many to the joys of the NES Zapper lightgun.
- (rare, dated) unctuous, greasy, as hair from pomade
- 1985, Lynn Pan, Into China's Heart: An Emigré's Journey Along the Yellow River (page 200)
- He looked faintly loutish, with smarmy hair and a hint of a moustache.
- 2002 October, Austin Branstetter, "My day as a Carnie" Top of the Hill (Montgomery Bell Academy) Vol.8 No.1 p.4:
- I pulled on my smarmy t-shirt and my ragged jeans and dragged myself to report to my supervisor.
- 1985, Lynn Pan, Into China's Heart: An Emigré's Journey Along the Yellow River (page 200)
Synonyms
- (falsely earnest or smug): flattering, gushing, ingratiating, oily, smug
Related terms
- smarm
- smarmily
- smarminess
Translations
Falsely earnest, smug, or ingratiating
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References
- Douglas Harper (2001–2023), “smarmy”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.
- Ben Yagoda (17 October 2018) "‘Smarmy’: How It Was Born and Survived" The Chronicle of Higher Education