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 .

Related Words

• mobster