clever Dick
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
-
an intellectual who is ostentatiously and irritatingly knowledgeable
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