smirk

[ smurk ]

verb (used without object)

1. to smile in an affected, smug, or offensively familiar way.

noun

1. the facial expression of a person who smirks.

smirk

/ smɜːk /

noun

1. a smile expressing scorn, smugness, etc, rather than pleasure

verb

1. intr to give such a smile
2. tr to express with such a smile

Derived Forms

• ˈsmirkingly, adverb
• ˈsmirker, noun
• ˈsmirking, adjective

Other Words From

• smirker noun
• smirking·ly adverb
• un·smirking adjective
• un·smirking·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of smirk¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English smirken (verb), Old English sme(a)rcian

Word History and Origins

Origin of smirk¹

Old English smearcian; related to smer derision, Old High German bismer contempt, bismerōn to scorn

Example Sentences

Harris’ 40-minute “Call Her Daddy” episode was recorded last Tuesday and edited before the Playbook column came out, which must have made both Cooper and the campaign smirk.

From Salon

“Nope,” he said with a quick smirk, and a soft shake of his head.

From Los Angeles Times

Worse, he didn’t run out a ground ball, played with a smirk and explained himself thusly: “I’m not a player that’s going to be ‘Johnny Hustle.’

From Los Angeles Times

Underneath his ever-present smirk, Vance seems to be bristling with barely contained rage, especially at anyone who would question the Trump campaign's use of tactics like overt lying and spreading unapologetically racist conspiracy theories.

From Salon

Moments later he shot her again, this time in the eye “with a smirk on his face”.

From BBC

Related Words

• grin
• sneer