Smart Aleck

Pronunciation: /smɑrt ˈælɪk/

Definitions of smart aleck

noun a person who is irritating because they behave as if they know everything

Example Sentences

A1 My little brother is such a smart aleck when he tries to outsmart me.

A2 The student's constant interruptions in class made him come across as a smart aleck.

B1 The new intern at work is a bit of a smart aleck, always making sarcastic remarks.

B2 The lawyer's sharp wit and clever arguments earned him a reputation as a smart aleck in the courtroom.

C1 The professor was known for being a brilliant smart aleck, always able to outsmart his colleagues.

C2 Despite his intelligence, his arrogant attitude and constant need to show off made him come across as a smart aleck.

Examples of smart aleck in a Sentence

formal The student was reprimanded for being a smart aleck during the lecture.

informal Don't be such a smart aleck and just answer the question seriously.

slang Stop being a smart aleck and just chill out.

figurative His constant jokes and sarcasm made him come off as a smart aleck in social situations.

Grammatical Forms of smart aleck

• past tense: smart alecked
• plural: smart alecks
• comparative: smarter aleck
• superlative: smartest aleck
• present tense: smart alecks
• future tense: will smart aleck
• perfect tense: have smart alecked
• continuous tense: is smart alecking
• singular: smart aleck
• positive degree: smart aleck
• infinitive: to smart aleck
• gerund: smart alecking
• participle: smart alecked

Origin and Evolution of smart aleck

First Known Use: 1844 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The term 'smart aleck' is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-19th century.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe a person who is overly clever or sarcastic in a way that is annoying or disrespectful, the term 'smart aleck' has evolved to generally refer to someone who is cocky, insolent, or overly self-assured.