smarmy
adjUK /ˈsmɑː.mi/ · US /ˈsmɑɹ.mi/
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.
1
Falsely earnest, smug, ingratiating, or pious.
- a smarmy salesman with a big smile
- “Hey, slow down, nature boy.” “Y'know, screw you, Jen. I'm sick of your smarmy comments. I may not be the toughest guy out there, or the smartest, but at least I can admit it. All you ever do is complain and tear down your friends and pick on people and--” “But I'm just kidding!” “Yeah, you're always kidding.” “Hey, Alex, you know you get the most abuse because you're my best friend. Sorry about that.” “You're apologizing?” “Yeah.” “Okay. Anyway, let's find some help.” “You really think I'm smarmy?” “Yeah.” “I always thought of myself as more of the snide type.”1999 November 1, David Regal, “Cropsey Clanners” (12:11 from the start), in Downtown, season 1, episode 12, spoken by Alex Henson (Gregory Gilmore), archived from the original on 04 Jul 2025:
1 more example
- Starring a smarmy dog and scores of hapless flying wildfowl, Duck Hunt was the game that introduced many to the joys of the NES Zapper lightgun.2019, “Ultimate Guide: Duck Hunt”, in Darran Jones, editor, 100 Games to Play Before You Die: Nintendo Consoles Edition (Retro Gamer), 3rd edition, Future, page 43:
- He looked faintly loutish, with smarmy hair and a hint of a moustache.1985, Lynn Pan, Into China's Heart: An Emigré's Journey Along the Yellow River, page 200:
- I pulled on my smarmy t-shirt and my ragged jeans and dragged myself to report to my supervisor.2002 October, Austin Branstetter, "My day as a Carnie" Top of the Hill (Montgomery Bell Academy) Vol.8 No.1 p.4
- Synonyms
- flattering, gushing, ingratiating, oily, smug
- Related terms
- smarm, smarmily, smarminess