Finesentence logo

Smarty: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ˜
Add to dictionary

smarty

 

[ หˆsmษ‘หrti ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

character trait

The term 'smarty' is often used informally to describe someone who is clever or intelligent, typically in a way that may seem showy or condescending to others. This adjective suggests not just intelligence, but also a degree of arrogance in how that intelligence is displayed. In some contexts, being a 'smarty' can lead to social tensions, particularly if the individual tends to overexplain or correct others. Itโ€™s generally used in a playful or teasing manner, rather than as a serious critique.

Synonyms

bright, clever, intelligent, smart, witty

Examples of usage

  • Don't be such a smarty pants.
  • She always has a smarty remark for everything.
  • He's a bit of a smarty, always trying to one-up others.

Translations

Translations of the word "smarty" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น inteligente

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคšเคคเฅเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช schlau

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ cerdas

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั€ะพะทัƒะผะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ sprytny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ณขใ„ (ใ‹ใ—ใ“ใ„)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท intelligent

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ inteligente

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท zeki

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์˜๋ฆฌํ•œ (yeongrihan)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฐูƒูŠ (dhaki)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ inteligentnรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ inteligentnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ชๆ˜Ž (cลngmรญng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ pameten

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ greindur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐา›ั‹ะปะดั‹ (aqyldy)

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒญแƒ™แƒ•แƒ˜แƒแƒœแƒ˜ (ch'q'viani)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ aฤŸฤฑllฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ inteligente

Etymology

The word 'smarty' originated in the late 19th century as a colloquial term in American English. It is a diminutive or informal form of the word 'smart', which comes from the Old English 'smeortan', meaning 'to smite' or 'to sting'. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer more generally to a person who is quick-witted or intelligent. The suffix '-y' is often used in English to create informal adjectives that convey a sense of familiarity or casualness. Therefore, 'smarty' suggests a playful or mocking tone towards someone's intelligence, especially when it seems aimed at flaunting knowledge or skill. It contributes to a broader trend in language where diminutive forms can convey affection or endearment, or, conversely, irony and sarcasm.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,807, 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.