English Explanatory Dictionary

smarmy

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Falsely earnest, smug, ingratiating, or pious.
  2. Unctuous, greasy, as hair from pomade.

Pronunciation

/ˈsmɑː.mi/ /ˈsmɑɹ.mi/ en-us-smarmy.ogg en-au-smarmy.ogg

Word forms

smarmy smarmier smarmiest

Etymology

From smarm + -y. Apparently coined by "B.R.L., of Brighton" with sense "saying treacly things which do not sound genuine" in a competition for neologisms in The Academy (London) published on 14 January 1899.

Synonyms

flattering gushing ingratiating oily smug

Related words

smarm smarmily smarminess
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