Smart Alecky

C1 16+

Pronunciation: /ˈsmɑrt ˈæləki/

Definitions of smart alecky

adjective showing an excessive attitude of smartness or cockiness

Example Sentences

A1 My little brother can be a bit smart alecky when he talks back to our parents.

A2 The student's smart alecky response to the teacher's question got him in trouble.

B1 She has a tendency to come across as smart alecky in meetings, which can be off-putting to some colleagues.

B2 His smart alecky attitude often gets him into arguments with his peers.

C1 The comedian's smart alecky humor appeals to a certain audience who enjoy his sarcastic wit.

C2 Despite his smart alecky demeanor, he is actually quite intelligent and insightful in his analysis.

Examples of smart alecky in a Sentence

formal Her smart alecky comments during the meeting did not contribute positively to the discussion.

informal Stop being so smart alecky and just answer the question seriously.

slang He's always acting so smart alecky, thinking he knows everything.

figurative His smart alecky attitude is like a shield, hiding his insecurities.

Grammatical Forms of smart alecky

past tense

smart aleckied

plural

smart aleckies

comparative

smarter aleckier

superlative

smartest aleckiest

present tense

is smart alecky

future tense

will be smart alecky

perfect tense

has been smart alecky

continuous tense

is being smart alecky

singular

smart alecky

positive degree

smart alecky

infinitive

to be smart alecky

gerund

being smart alecky

participle

smart aleckying

Origin and Evolution of smart alecky

First Known Use: 1857 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The term 'smart alecky' is believed to have originated from the name Alec, a common nickname for Alexander, combined with the word 'smart' to describe someone who is clever or sarcastic in a disrespectful way.
Evolution of the word: Over time, 'smart alecky' has evolved to describe someone who is overly confident or cocky in a way that is annoying or irritating to others.