wise guy

Học thuật
Thân thiện
wise guy

A wise guy in the back of the class made a sarcastic remark.

Definition

Noun: 1. A person who makes conceited, sardonic, or insolent comments; a know-it-all or smart aleck: The term "wise guy" refers to someone who behaves in an arrogantly clever or sarcastic manner, often by making disrespectful or mocking remarks. It implies a lack of respect and an irritating overconfidence.

Usage
  • The term is typically used informally and often disapprovingly to describe someone whose sarcasm or insolence is annoying.
  • It can be used directly as a form of address ("Listen here, wise guy...") or as a descriptor.
  • It carries a negative connotation, suggesting the person is being rude, disrespectful, or unnecessarily provocative.
Examples
  • "Don't be such a wise guy; just answer the question seriously."
  • "Some wise guy in the back row kept making snide comments during the presentation."
  • The teacher grew tired of the wise guy's constant attempts to undermine the lesson with sarcastic jokes.
Advanced Usage / Nuances
  • In some regional dialects, particularly in parts of the Northeastern United States, "wise guy" can be a more neutral or even slightly affectionate term for a man, similar to "buddy" or "pal," though this usage is less common than the negative one.
  • Crucially, it is distinct from the compound noun "wiseguy" (sometimes written as one word), which is a slang term for a member of the Mafia or a gangster.
Variants and Related Words
  • Wiseguy (noun): A slang term for a mobster or gangster, especially one affiliated with organized crime.
    • The film was full of wiseguys running their operations from social clubs.
  • Wiseacre (noun): A close synonym for "wise guy," meaning a person who makes annoyingly clever or sarcastic remarks.
Synonyms
  • Smart aleck
  • Know-it-all
  • Wiseacre
  • Smart mouth (informal)
  • Saucy person (informal)
Related Idioms / Phrases
  • To get wise (with someone): To speak or act in a insolent, disrespectful, or cheeky manner toward someone.
    • Don't you get wise with me, young man.
wise guy

A wise guy in the back of the class made a sarcastic remark.

Noun
  1. an upstart who makes conceited, sardonic, insolent comments

Từ đồng nghĩa