clever Dick

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Thân thiện
Definition

Noun: - A person who ostentatiously displays their knowledge or cleverness in an irritating way: A "clever dick" is someone who shows off their intelligence or expertise, often in a manner that is annoying, smug, or condescending to others.

Usage
  • This term is primarily used in informal, often British, English.
  • It is a derogatory and critical label for someone perceived as a know-it-all.
  • It is typically used as a noun to describe or address a person.
Examples
Advanced Usage
  • The term is often used in a tone of frustration or sarcasm.
  • It can be employed humorously among friends, but it is generally an insult.
Variants and Related Words
  • Clever clogs (noun): A very similar informal, chiefly British term with the same meaning as "clever dick."
  • Know-it-all (noun): A more common synonym in American English.
  • Smart aleck (noun, informal): Another synonym, particularly in American English, for a person who is irritatingly clever or sarcastic.
Synonyms
  • Know-it-all
  • Smart aleck
  • Wise guy (informal, often US)
  • Smarty-pants (informal)
Related Idioms
  • While not a phrasal verb, the term itself functions as an idiomatic noun phrase.
  • To be a clever dick: To act in the manner of a clever dick.
    • He was just being a clever dick when he explained the plot twist before the movie ended.
Noun
  1. an intellectual who is ostentatiously and irritatingly knowledgeable

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