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Smart aleck
01
an annoying individual who behaves as if they know everything
Disapproving
Idiom
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Human
Composition
Compound
Countable
Plural form
smart alecks
What is the origin of the idiom "smart aleck" and when to use it?
The exact origin of the idiom "smart aleck" is unclear, but it is believed to have emerged in the United States in the mid-19th century. The idiom "smart aleck" refers to a person who often makes snarky or witty remarks, typically intended to show off their intelligence or provoke others. The term carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the person's behavior is seen as arrogant or obnoxious.
Examples
Don't be a smart aleck in class.
