smug

[ smuhg ]

adjective

, smug·ger, smug·gest.

1. contentedly confident of one's ability, superiority, or correctness; complacent.
2. trim; spruce; smooth; sleek.

smug

/ smʌɡ /

adjective

1. excessively self-satisfied or complacent
2. archaic.
   trim or neat

Derived Forms

• ˈsmugness, noun
• ˈsmugly, adverb

Other Words From

• smug·ly adverb
• smug·ness noun
• un·smug adjective
• un·smug·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of smug¹

First recorded in 1545–55; perhaps from Middle Dutch smuc “neat, pretty, nice”

Word History and Origins

Origin of smug¹

C16: of Germanic origin; compare Low German smuck neat

Example Sentences

“The New York Post lady was there just looking so smug,” the lifestyle mogul said in the documentary.

From Salon

They see an antihero who’s sticking it to the smug elites.

From Salon

Many liberals and progressives instead choose to mock Trump and his allies or laugh at them, while feeling smug and superior.

From Salon

Some voters found this approach patronising, disingenuous or even smug.

From BBC

Fielding previously said she had decided to write Mark Darcy out of the series because she didn't want Bridget to become "a smug married", a fate deemed utterly lamentable by earlier musings of Jones.

From BBC

Related Words

• complacent
• egotistical
• pompous
• self-righteous
• self-satisfied