smarm

[ smahrm ]

noun

1. behavior or speech that is smarmy.

smarm

/ smɑːm /

verb

1. troften foll bydown to flatten (the hair, etc) with cream or grease
2. whenintr, foll by up to to ingratiate oneself (with)

noun

1. obsequious flattery

Word History and Origins

Origin of smarm¹

First recorded in 1935–40; back formation from smarmy

Word History and Origins

Origin of smarm¹

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Oliver brings in Matthew Broderick, playing himself with exaggerated smarm, who effortlessly breezes through the patter song.

From Los Angeles Times

He does so with an air of entitled smarm, as if Goofus had disguised himself as Gallant and turned to inept virtue signaling to complete the ruse.

From Slate

House Speaker Mike Johnson arrived at the White House full of smarm last Tuesday, as the nation tried to avert a partial government shutdown.

From Salon

It has been a drastic reinvention for a character once known strictly for bad-boy smarm.

From New York Times

For at least some of the writers working in their employ, especially at Gawker, this was not merely a business rivalry but an ideological battle: irony vs. earnestness, criticism vs. civility, snark vs. smarm.

From Washington Post