smarm

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Smarmy language or behavior.
  2. A style of fan fiction in which characters are warm and caring toward each other but without sexual overtones.
verb
  1. To fawn, to be unctuous.
  2. To address in a fawning and unctuous manner.

Pronunciation

/smɑːm/ /smɑɹm/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-smarm.wav

Word forms

smarm smarms smarming smarmed

Etymology

The noun is attested since 1914, from the colloquial verb smalm, smarm (“to smear, bedaub (hair, with pomade)”), attested since 1847, of unknown origin, perhaps somehow suggestive of the action. Verbal meaning "to smear with flattery" is from 1902.

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