smarmy

The definition of smarmy is someone who comes across as being insincere.

(adjective)

An example of someone who is smarmy is a used car salesman who tries to come across as if he is a distinguished businessman making you a fair deal but who sounds like he is lying.

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See smarmy in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective smarmier, smarmiest

Brit., Informal flattering in an oily, insincere manner; unctuous

Origin: < smarm, smalm, to bedaub, smear (< ?) + -y

Related Forms:

See smarmy in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective smarm·i·er, smarm·i·est
  1. Hypocritically, complacently, or effusively earnest; unctuous. See Synonyms at unctuous.
  2. Sleek.

Origin:

Origin: From smarm, to smear

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Related Forms:

  • smarm·i·ness noun

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