smart aleck
/'smɑ:t'ælik/ Cách viết khác : (smart_aleck) /'smɑ:t'ælik/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: An annoyingly clever or smug person who makes conceited, sardonic, or insolent remarks, often in a know-it-all manner. A smart aleck is typically perceived as an upstart who is disrespectfully overconfident in their own intelligence or wit.
Usage
The term "smart aleck" is used as a countable noun, almost always in a critical or disapproving way to label someone whose cleverness is seen as rude, arrogant, or disruptive. It describes a person's behavior and attitude rather than genuine intelligence.
Examples
- Don't be such a smart aleck; just answer the question directly.
- The class smart aleck was always quick with a sarcastic comment.
- She grew tired of his smart aleck remarks during the meeting.
Advanced Usage
- "Smart-alecky" (adjective): Describing behavior or remarks characteristic of a smart aleck.
- He gave a smart-alecky answer that annoyed everyone.
- The term often implies a lack of respect for authority, tradition, or social decorum through the use of impertinent wit.
Variants and Related Words
- Smart alec: An alternative, chiefly British, spelling.
- Smart-ass (vulgar, slang): A cruder and more offensive synonym.
- Wise guy (informal): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably.
- Know-it-all: A related term focusing more on a person's pretense of knowing everything rather than the insolent delivery.
Synonyms
- Wiseacre
- Smarty-pants (informal)
- Saucy person
- Insolent upstart
Related Idioms & Phrases
- "To get smart with someone": To speak to someone in a disrespectfully clever or insolent way. This verb phrase describes the action of a smart aleck.
- Don't you get smart with me, young man!
Noun
- an upstart who makes conceited, sardonic, insolent comments