smarmy

[ smahr-mee ]

adjective

, smarm·i·er, smarm·i·est.

1. excessively or unctuously flattering, ingratiating, servile, etc.:

   the emcee with the smarmy welcome.

smarmy

/ ˈsmɑːmɪ /

adjective

1. informal.
   obsequiously flattering or unpleasantly suave

Derived Forms

• ˈsmarminess, noun
• ˈsmarmily, adverb

Other Words From

• smarmi·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of smarmy¹

1905–10; smarm, variant of dial. smalm to smear, make slick (< ?) + -y ¹

Example Sentences

“Whatever I do, I do for America,” he intones with smarmy conviction.

From Salon

The actor is also known for playing a meta-version of himself in “Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23,” where he’s a smarmy has-been nicknamed “The Beek From the Creek.”

From Los Angeles Times

These arguments keep reviving because they give smarmy politicians and pundits female stereotypes to pit against each other without anybody stepping up to solve the underlying issues.

From Salon

But he made up for it with a smarmy opening to his acceptance speech in which he gave a mournful minute-by-minute recitation of the assassination attempt.

From Salon

It starred Coleman as “Buffalo Bill” Bittinger, the smarmy, arrogant, dimwitted daytime talk show host who, unhappy at being relegated to the small-time market of Buffalo, New York, takes it out on everyone around him.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• smug