Smarty: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
smarty
[ หsmษหrti ]
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. Itโs 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:
๐ต๐น inteligente
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคคเฅเคฐ
๐ฉ๐ช schlau
๐ฎ๐ฉ cerdas
๐บ๐ฆ ัะพะทัะผะฝะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ sprytny
๐ฏ๐ต ่ณขใ (ใใใใ)
๐ซ๐ท intelligent
๐ช๐ธ inteligente
๐น๐ท zeki
๐ฐ๐ท ์๋ฆฌํ (yeongrihan)
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฐูู (dhaki)
๐จ๐ฟ inteligentnรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ inteligentnรฝ
๐จ๐ณ ่ชๆ (cลngmรญng)
๐ธ๐ฎ pameten
๐ฎ๐ธ greindur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐาัะปะดั (aqyldy)
๐ฌ๐ช แญแแแแแแ (ch'q'viani)
๐ฆ๐ฟ aฤฤฑllฤฑ
๐ฒ๐ฝ 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.
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