Smugness: meaning, definitions and examples

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smugness

[smʌɡnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

personality trait

Smugness is the quality of being too pleased with oneself or one's achievements. It is characterized by an excessive pride in oneself or one's abilities, often accompanied by a sense of superiority over others.

Synonyms

arrogance, conceit, self-satisfaction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
smugness	Used to describe someone who is self-satisfied in an irritating way, often without the merits to justify it. It implies a certain level of complacency. His smugness was unbearable when he talked about his job promotion. She had a look of smugness after winning the argument.
conceit	Describes an excessively favorable opinion of one's own abilities or worth. It is often used to talk about someone's inflated sense of self, especially in their own ability. Her conceit about her painting skills was obvious. He couldn't hide his conceit when talking about his athletic achievements.
self-satisfaction	Used for a person who feels content and pleased with themselves or their achievements. It can be neutral but can also imply a lack of awareness of one's limitations or faults. There was a sense of self-satisfaction in his tone after finishing the project. Despite the criticism, she was filled with self-satisfaction.
arrogance	Refers to an attitude of superiority and disdain for others, often suggesting an overbearing pride. It has a strong negative connotation. His arrogance made him many enemies at work. People were put off by her arrogance during the meeting.

Examples of usage

His smugness was evident in the way he talked down to his colleagues.
She couldn't hide her smugness after winning the competition.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

expression

Smugness can also refer to a smug or self-satisfied facial expression that conveys a sense of superiority or self-importance.

Synonyms

complacency, self-sufficiency, smirk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
smugness	Use this word to describe an excessive or annoying sense of self-satisfaction, often perceived negatively. His smugness about winning the debate irritated everyone. She expressed smugness when her prediction turned out correct.
smirk	A smirk is a type of smile that conveys smugness or knowingness, often used to describe a slightly mocking or condescending expression. He couldn’t hide his smirk when he saw his rival fail. She responded to the criticism with a slight smirk.
self-sufficiency	This term refers to the ability to provide for oneself without help from others, generally used in a positive or neutral context. She prided herself on her self-sufficiency, growing her own vegetables. A self-sufficient person can handle many challenges independently.
complacency	This word applies to situations where someone is self-satisfied to the point of being unaware or unresponsive to potential dangers or issues. Their complacency about the safety measures was concerning. Complacency in the workplace can lead to mistakes.

Examples of usage

His smugness was written all over his face when he thought he had outsmarted everyone.
The politician's smugness during the debate turned off many viewers.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Research shows that feeling smug often relates to self-esteem, where some people derive joy from feeling superior over others.
Smugness can act as a defense mechanism, helping individuals cope with insecurities by projecting confidence.
People expressing smugness may display certain body language, like crossed arms and a tilted head, indicating superiority.

Literature

Classic literature often paints smug characters as antagonists, emphasizing their arrogance and lack of empathy.
Famous authors like Jane Austen critiqued smugness through characters who represented social class and their misplaced pride.
In modern novels, smugness often appears in characters who achieve success but overlook the contributions of others.

Cultural Context

In many cultures, being smug is frowned upon, often viewed as a lack of humility that can alienate social groups.
In social media culture, individuals may display smugness by boasting about achievements, leading to mixed reactions online.
Comedic portrayals in films and television frequently mock smug characters to highlight their overconfidence and lack of awareness.

Pop Culture

Television shows often feature smug characters as comic relief, making them memorable for their overbearing confidence.
Certain viral internet memes analyze the feeling of smugness, poking fun at everyday situations where someone feels superior.
Fictional villains are often depicted with smug expressions, signifying their overconfidence in schemes or plans.

Philosophy

Philosophers have long debated the moral implications of smugness, linking it to arrogance and social inequality.
Some theories suggest that smugness can be a barrier to genuine relationships, preventing empathy and understanding.
Existential thinkers might argue that smugness reflects an individual’s desire for validation, exploring themes of self-acceptance versus social acceptance.

Translations

Translations of the word "smugness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 presunção

🇮🇳 अहंकार

🇩🇪 Selbstgefälligkeit

🇮🇩 kesombongan

🇺🇦 самовдоволення

🇵🇱 zarozumiałość

🇯🇵 自己満足

🇫🇷 complaisance

🇪🇸 satisfacción

🇹🇷 kibir

🇰🇷 자기만족

🇸🇦 غرور

🇨🇿 samolibost

🇸🇰 sebavedomie

🇨🇳 自满

🇸🇮 samozadovoljstvo

🇮🇸 sjálfsánægja

🇰🇿 өзімшілдік

🇬🇪 თვითკმაყოფილება

🇦🇿 özündənrazılıq

🇲🇽 satisfacción

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,585 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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32582 biped
32583 workfare
32584 plutocracy
32585 smugness
32586 unforced
32587 trended
32588 dowdy
...