smarmy

Definition

Falsely earnest, smug, ingratiating, or pious.

Etymology

From smarm + -y. Apparently coined by "B.R.L., of Brighton" with sense "saying treacly things which do not sound genuine" in a competition for neologisms in The Academy (London) published on 14 January 1899.

Example Sentences

• "a smarmy salesman with a big smile"
• "Starring a smarmy dog and scores of hapless flying wildfowl, Duck Hunt was the game that introduced many to the joys of the NES Zapper lightgun."
• "He looked faintly loutish, with smarmy hair and a hint of a moustache."

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