wise guy

noun

1. Informal. a cocksure, conceited, and often insolent person; smart aleck:

   He has a reputation for being a wise guy.

wise guy

noun

1. informal.
   a person who is given to making conceited, sardonic, or insolent comments
2. a member of the Mafia

Other Words From

• wise-guy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of wise guy¹

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Idioms and Phrases

An obnoxious know-it-all, a person who makes sarcastic or annoying remarks, as in the teacher was delighted that the worst wise guy in the class was moving out of town . [ Slang ; second half of 1800s] Also see smart aleck .

Example Sentences

When the now revered Ronald Reagan's house was on fire, one wise guy remarked: “they saved the books but the crayons melted.”

From The Daily Beast

He had to be a wise guy to slip one over on an old big-leaguer like yours truly, and that's no sidewalk banter either.

From Project Gutenberg

He was a wise guy in the sense that he could be disrespectful in a way that you would accept.

From Project Gutenberg

When speaking to the FBI, did you characterize him as a wise guy, or is that the agent's characterization?

From Project Gutenberg

Suppose, continued Warner in the manner of one weighing every chance, she goes with her troubles to some wise guy?

From Project Gutenberg

Simms snarled out of the side of his mouth, "Shut up, wise guy!"

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• mobster