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

“New York Post lady was there just looking so smug. She had written horrible things during the entire trial. She’s dead now, thank goodness, and nobody has to put up with that c**p she was writing all the time.”

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

The fault lies with the Times’ selfish, smug, and self-destructive leadership.

From Salon

And instead of feeling envious of everyone’s photos, we can feel a little smug that it wasn’t that awesome at all.

From Slate

Related Words

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