What does smart aleck mean?
Definitions for smart aleck
ˈæl ɪksmart aleck
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word smart aleck.
Princeton's WordNet
wise guy, smart aleck, wiseacre, wisenheimer, weisenheimernoun
an upstart who makes conceited, sardonic, insolent comments
Wiktionary
smart alecknoun
One who is given to obnoxious or insolent humor; a wise guy.
smart alecknoun
One who is pretentious about their own cleverness or knowledge; a know-it-all.
smart alecknoun
One who is obnoxiously self-assured; a show off.
smart alecknoun
A well-dressed person.
Etymology: Aleck is a nickname for Alexander. The phrase "smart aleck" is possibly derived from the name Aleck Hoag, a 19 century con man and thief. A conceited know-it-all, dates back to mid-19th century America. Alec Hoag was a notorious pimp and thief who operated in New York in the 1840s. He operated a trick called "The Panel Game" where he would sneak in via gaps in the walls and steal the valuables of his sleeping or unwary clients. The reputation he generated for not getting caught earned him the nickname Smart Alec.
ChatGPT
smart aleck
A smart aleck is a person who tends to be conceitedly and insolently clever, often exhibiting sarcastic or disrespectful humor, and tries to assert superiority through their clever remarks or know-it-all attitude. They usually express their wit or intelligence in a manner that may irritate or annoy others.
Matched Categories
Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of smart aleck in Chaldean Numerology is: 1
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of smart aleck in Pythagorean Numerology is: 4
Translations for smart aleck
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"smart aleck." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 27 Apr. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/smart+aleck>.
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