smart aleck

or smart al·ec

[ smahrt al-ik ]

noun

, Informal.

1. wise guy.

smart aleck

/ ˈælɪk /

noun

1. informal.
   an irritatingly oversmart person

Derived Forms

• ˈsmart-ˌaleck, adjective

Other Words From

• smart-al·eck·y smart-al·eck adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of smart aleck¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1860–65; generic use of Aleck, nickname for Alexander

Word History and Origins

Origin of smart aleck¹

C19: from Aleck, Alec, short for Alexander

Idioms and Phrases

An impudent or obnoxiously self-assertive individual, a wise guy, as in New teachers often have a hard time coping with the smart alecks in their classes . This expression, dating from the mid-1800s, probably alluded to a person of this description who was named Alec or Alexander, but his identity has been lost.

Example Sentences

I didn’t actively think of it again, but “you should always look for the limb” became part of my smart aleck’s understanding of the world, a bit of wisdom, never questioned.

From New York Times

In real life, however, Mr. Jaffee was the opposite of a smart aleck: a genteel, unassuming man whose in-person humor was delivered with a wink, not a cudgel.

From New York Times

She is an outraged activist, a smart aleck, an angsty dreamer of a girl.

From New York Times

Reynolds may play the smart aleck, but beneath Adam’s zingers he is compensating for a profound pain, and Louis is critical in activating his son’s tender side.

From New York Times

“If he comes off as evasive, petulant and a smart aleck, this is going to be a killer in front of the court and the court of public opinion.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• know-it-all
• wise guy