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

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

But it would need something more like a cordon sanitaire to protect the audience from the trickle of smarm that leaks from the play.

From New York Times

But now we are reduced to this kind of smarm from the Republican National Committee, recycling Hawley.

From Washington Post

He needles Paul about religion and politics, and when the smarm he receives in return becomes too much to bear, he tells Maha he’s ready to throw him off the balcony.

From Seattle Times