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Definition of smarmy

smarmy

/ˈsmɑːr.mi/
smar · my
Adverb:smarmily
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smarmy Lexical Profile

smarmy Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Ingratiating and wheedling in a way that is perceived as insincere, excessive, or unctuous.

Example

"The salesperson's smarmy compliments only made the customers more skeptical of the deal."

2

British Sleek, smooth, or greased down (especially of hair).

Example

"He wore a pinstripe suit and had his hair parted in a smarmy, heavily pomaded style."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for smarmy

• Nearby Words

smalltime
smalltown
smarminess
smarmy
smart
smartass
smartassed

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century from the British dialectal verb 'smarm' (meaning to smear, bedaub, or sleek down the hair with oil or pomade), which figuratively came to mean to behave in an overly flattering, oily, or sycophantic manner.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Smarmy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/smarmy
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