Definitions

smart aleck

 Play smart al·eck
Raymond wasn't trying to be a smart aleck, he just always knew the answer to the question before everyone else in class.

Raymond wasn't trying to be a smart aleck, he just always knew the answer to the question before everyone else in class.

adjective
  1. The definition of smart aleck is someone or something that is annoying because they comes across as having know-it-all tendencies.

    An example of a smart aleck answer is a sarcastic reply to a question.

noun
  1. Smart aleck is a negative term for a person who thinks he is intelligent and who always has an answer for everything.

    An example of a smart aleck is the class clown who always shouts out when the teacher is asking questions.


smart aleck

or smart al·ec

Informal a person who is annoyingly conceited, insolent, flippant, etc.

Origin of smart aleck

smart + Aleck, diminutive of Alexander


smart aleck

noun

Informal
A person regarded as annoyingly self-assertive, especially for making impudent displays of knowledge.

Origin of smart aleck

Perhaps after Aleck Hoag, 19th-century American confidence man and thief

Related Forms:

  • smart′-al′eck smart′-al′eck·y

    adjective


smart-aleck

Noun

(plural smart alecks)

  1. One who is given to obnoxious or insolent humor; a wise guy.
  2. One who is pretentious about their own cleverness or knowledge; a know-it-all.
  3. One who is obnoxiously self-assured; a show off.
  4. (rare) A well-dressed person.
Origin

Aleck is a nickname for Alexander. The phrase "smart aleck" is possibly derived from the name Aleck Hoag, a 19th century con man and thief.

Adjective

(comparative more smart-aleck, superlative most smart-aleck)

  1. That is characteristic of a smart aleck
    smart-aleck remarks

Synonyms

 
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  • smart aleck

Also Mentioned In


  • smart-alec
  • smartling
  • wise-apple
  • smarty-pants
  • smart-alecks
  • clever-clogs
  • wisecracker
  • cleversticks
  • besserwisser
  • smart-ass

Words near smart aleck in the dictionary


  • smarms
  • smarmy
  • smart
  • smart-alec
  • smart aleck
  • smart-alecks
  • smart-alecky
  • smart-allecky
  • smart apostrophes
  • smart appliance

Synonyms

» more...

  • malapert
  • witling
  • know-it-all
  • saucebox
  • show-off

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