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Smarmier: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿคฅ
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smarmier

 

[ หˆsmษ‘หrmษชษ™r ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

negative description

Smarmier describes someone who is excessively flattering, ingratiating, or insincere in their behavior or remarks. This term is often used to critique individuals who display an over-the-top friendliness that lacks genuine warmth. The essence of smarm relies on a superficial charm that disguises ulterior motives. People who are deemed smarmy are typically perceived as untrustworthy, often attempting to win favor for their own benefit rather than through honest admiration or respect.

Synonyms

insincere, obsequious, sycophantic, unctuous.

Examples of usage

  • His smarmier approach made everyone uncomfortable.
  • The politician's smarmier remarks did not impress the crowd.
  • She found his smarmier compliments hard to believe.
  • There was something smarmier about his smile that raised suspicion.

Translations

Translations of the word "smarmier" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น lisonjeiro

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคšเคพเคชเคฒเฅ‚เคธ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Schmeichler

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pemujuk

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะปะฐัะบะฐะฒะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ pochlebca

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใŠไธ–่พžๅฑ‹ (osejiya)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท flatteur

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ lisonjero

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yalaka

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•„์ฒจ๊พผ (acheomkkun)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ู†ุงูู‚ (munafiq)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ lichotnรญk

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ lichotnรญk

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฐ„ๅชš่€… (chวŽn mรจi zhฤ›)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ pohvalnik

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ aรฐdรกandi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะฐา›ั‚ะฐะฝัˆะฐา›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒขแƒ™แƒแƒชแƒฃแƒœแƒ (tkatsuna)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ yalanรงฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ lisonjero

Etymology

The word 'smarmy' originated from the earlier 19th-century term 'smarm,' which means to speak or act in an ingratiatingly flattering way. The root of 'smarm' is believed to trace back to the Old English word 'smeorman,' meaning to smear or to butter up. The evolution of the term reflects a derogatory connotation, particularly as it became associated with individuals who exhibit false charm or insincerity. By the mid-20th century, 'smarmy' had firmly entered colloquial English, particularly in American English, to describe a kind of overly slick behavior that raises eyebrows about authenticity. It's often employed in various social contexts, particularly in politics and media, where charm can often disguise underlying agendas.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,798, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.