smarm

Thân thiện

A salesperson's smarm made the customer uncomfortable.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Excessive but superficial compliments given with affected charm: Insincere, flattering, or ingratiating speech or behavior intended to gain favor.

Usage

• The word "smarm" is used to describe a specific type of insincere, oily flattery. It carries a negative connotation, implying that the speaker is being manipulative or obsequious.
• It is typically used in formal or literary contexts to critique social interactions.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The politician's speech was full of smarm, leaving many voters feeling distrustful.
  • I can't stand his constant smarm; it's so transparently fake.

Advanced Usage

• "to lay on the smarm": To apply excessive, insincere flattery.
  • He really laid on the smarm when he met the CEO, hoping for a promotion.

Variants and Related Words

• Smarmy (adj): Having the qualities of smarm; unpleasantly and insincerely flattering or ingratiating.
  • He gave a smarmy smile that made everyone uncomfortable.

Synonyms

• Flattery: Excessive and insincere praise.
• Obsequiousness: Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree.
• Sycophancy: Acting obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage.
• Unctuousness: Excessively flattering or ingratiating; oily.

Antonyms

• Frankness: The quality of being open, honest, and direct in speech or writing.
• Candor: The quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness.
• Sincerity: The quality of being free from pretense, deceit, or hypocrisy.

Học thuật

Noun

1. excessive but superficial compliments given with affected charm

Từ đồng nghĩa

• unction
• fulsomeness