WebJul 2, 2024 · A smart alec is extremely obnoxious to deal with. What is the origin of the term ‘Smart Alec’?: The phrase “Smart Alec”, meaning a conceited know-it-all, dates back to mid-19th century America. Regarding the identity of “Alec”, most American dictionaries point to Alec Hoag, a notorious pimp and thief who operated in New York in the ... WebMeaning of smart alec in English. smart alec. noun [ C ] informal (US smart aleck, smart-aleck) uk / ˌsmɑːt ˈæl.ɪk / us / ˌsmɑːrt ˈæl.ɪk /. someone who tries to appear clever or who …
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WebDefinition of smart-alecky 1 as in cute making light of something usually regarded as serious or sacred you wouldn't be so smart-alecky if you were the one having the surgery Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance cute wiseass playful flippant smart-ass smart-assed smart-aleck facetious wise smart inappropriate smarty-pants flip pert mischievous sassy WebDefinition of smarty-pants noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. ... (British English also smart alec, North American English smart aleck) (also British English, offensive smart-arse, North American English smart-ass)
Weba ˈsmart alec/aleck ( informal, disapproving) a person who tries to show that they are cleverer than everyone else: Some smart alec wrote in to say that the last edition of the newspaper contained 37 printing errors. See also: alec, aleck, smart Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2024 smart aleck, a Websmart aleck. An impudent or obnoxiously self-assertive individual, a wise guy, as in New teachers often have a hard time coping with the smart alecks in their classes. This expression, dating from the mid-1800s, probably alluded to a person of this description who was named Alec or Alexander, but his identity has been lost. See also: aleck, smart.
WebA smart aleck, also spelled smart alek or smart alec, is someone whose sarcastic, wisecracking, or humorous manner is delivered in an offensive, obnoxious, or cocky way. Smart aleck may refer to: Smart Alecks, a 1942 film starring the East Side Kids Smart Alec (1951 US film), a 1951 US pornographic film starring Candy Barr WebA smart alec or a smart aleck is someone who is very clever and who is often able to answer questions in a clever way. Note: People sometimes spell `alec' and `aleck' with capital …
WebMeaning of smart alec in English. smart alec. noun [ C ] informal (US smart aleck, smart-aleck) uk / ˌsmɑːt ˈæl.ɪk / us / ˌsmɑːrt ˈæl.ɪk /. someone who tries to appear clever or who …
Web1 adj Smart people and things are pleasantly neat and clean in appearance. (mainly BRIT) He was smart and well groomed but not good looking..., I was dressed in a smart navy blue suit., ...smart new offices. ♦ smartly adv ADV with v. He dressed very smartly which was important in those days., ...a smartly-painted door. grand teton plane crashWebnoun ˈsmär-tē-ˌpan (t)s plural smarty-pants Synonyms of smarty-pants informal : smart aleck, know-it-all "If you give people the impression you're a smarty-pants, that's no good … chinese restaurants in dunedin nzWebsmart aleck. (n.) also smart alek, smart alec, "would-be clever person," by 1863 ["Weekly Butte Record," Oroville, Calif., May 16, 1863], of unknown origin. Barnhart suggests perhaps in reference to Aleck Hoag, notorious pimp, thief, and confidence man in New York City in early 1840s. But the dates don't overlap and the earliest use seems to ... grand teton polish sausageWebNoun A person who makes remarks indicating an overly high opinion of themselves Someone who acts boisterously or clownishly, for example, by playing practical jokes One who is particularly insolent, who tends to make snide remarks or jokes … more Noun A person who makes remarks indicating an overly high opinion of themselves wiseacre … grand teton property management jackson wyWebsmart alec ( or aleck) a person considered irritating because they know a great deal or always have a clever answer to a question. From the male personal name Alec, a short … grand teton professional cleaningWebsmart aleck. (n.) also smart alek, smart alec, "would-be clever person," by 1863 ["Weekly Butte Record," Oroville, Calif., May 16, 1863], of unknown origin. Barnhart suggests … grand teton pronunciationWebJan 17, 2024 · smart alec; Etymology . Aleck is a nickname for the male given name Alexander. The phrase "smart aleck" is possibly derived from the name of Aleck Hoag, a 19th-century con man and thief. Noun . smart aleck (plural smart alecks) One who is given to obnoxious or insolent humor. Synonyms: wise guy, smarty, smarty pants grand teton points of interest