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Smarmy: meaning, definitions and examples

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smarmy

 

[ หˆsmษ‘หr.mi ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

negative trait

Smarmy describes a person who is excessively flattering in a way that is insincere and often annoying. It implies a degree of fawning or sycophantic behavior meant to ingratiate oneself. Typically, smarmy individuals are perceived as manipulative and untrustworthy.

Synonyms

ingratiating, insincere, obsequious, sycophantic, unctuous

Examples of usage

  • His smarmy compliments made everyone uncomfortable.
  • She had a smarmy smile that made me feel suspicious.
  • The salesperson's smarmy attitude turned me off from buying anything.
  • Don't be smarmy just to get your way.

Translations

Translations of the word "smarmy" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น falso

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคšเคพเคชเคฒเฅ‚เคธ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช schmeichelhaft

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ manis

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะปั–ัั‚ัะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ sล‚odki

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใŠไธ–่พžใฎ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท flatteur

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ adulador

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yaฤŸcฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•„์ฒจํ•˜๋Š”

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ู†ุงูู‚

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mazlivรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ podliezavรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆญ็ปด็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ pohlevn

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ falskur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะฐัะฐะฝะดั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒ›แƒแƒ แƒฏแƒ•แƒ”แƒ‘แƒฃแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลŸirin

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ lisonjero

Etymology

The term 'smarmy' originated in the early 20th century, derived from the word 'smarm,' which means to speak or refer to someone or something with an exaggerated affection or concern that often seems false. 'Smarm' itself is thought to derive from 'smarm,' which was a dialect term denoting a sense of being slick or oily. The adjective form, 'smarmy,' developed to characterize individuals who engage in behaviors that are outwardly flattering but inwardly manipulative. The word conveys a sense of discomfort and insincerity, often describing those who employ excessive charm or flattery in interactions, especially to gain favor or influence. Throughout its history, 'smarmy' has retained its negative connotation and is commonly used in everyday language to criticize people perceived as phony or overly ingratiating.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,545, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.