smug — having or showing an excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: having or showing an excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements
Pronunciation (IPA): /smʌɡ/
Example Sentences
- The student had a smug look when he got the highest score without studying.
- Don't be so smug about your promotion - you still have a lot to learn.
- Her smug attitude disappeared when she realized she had failed the exam.
smug
ADJECTIVE[/smʌɡ/]
having or showing an excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements
He wore a smug grin after winning the chess match in three moves.
Too smug with his mug to enjoy a hug
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Low German or Dutch smug, meaning 'neat' or 'trim', likely related to Old High German smiuc meaning 'smooth' or 'creeping'. The sense evolved from 'neat in appearance' to 'self-satisfied' by the 17th century.
Breakdown
smug (origin uncertain, possibly from Low German smug meaning 'neat') - no productive morphemes in modern English; appears as a single, indivisible root word
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The student had a smug look when he got the highest score without studying.”
“Don't be so smug about your promotion - you still have a lot to learn.”
“Her smug attitude disappeared when she realized she had failed the exam.”
“He felt smug about his expensive car until it broke down on the first day.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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