simpering
Smiling with insincerity
Simpering describes a smile or manner that is affectedly coy, self-conscious, or ingratiating—often with an air of false modesty or silliness.
The word carries contempt: She gave a simpering laugh at his weak joke.
A simpering person seems to be seeking approval through exaggerated sweetness rather than genuine warmth.
Servilely attentive to superiors
- sycophanticServilely flattering
- servileExcessively submissive, lacking independence
- grovelingDemeaning self-abasement before another
- ingratiatingSeeking favor through flattery
unctuous · bootlicking · toady · cringing · sniveling · deferential · submissive · adulatory
Artificially contrived behavior
- artificialMade, not natural
- coyAffectedly modest
- demureModestly reserved in manner
- saccharineExaggeratedly sentimental
cloying · syrupy · sugary · precious · mincing · theatrical · overdone · exaggerated
Insincerely ingratiating
- oilyCovered in grease
- slickSmooth or craftily adept
- phonyFraudulent person or thing
- disingenuousFeigning ignorance or innocence
false · glib · superficial · hollow · flattering · smooth-talking · two-faced · manipulative
Smiling with smugness
- sneeringExpressing scorn facially
- superciliousArrogantly contemptuous of others
- condescendingSuperior and dismissive manner
- haughtyDisdainfully proud
patronizing · smug · self-satisfied · snide · mocking · derisive · disdainful · scornful
obsequious
Servilely attentive to superiors
- sycophanticServilely flattering
- servileExcessively submissive, lacking independence
- grovelingDemeaning self-abasement before another
ingratiating · unctuous · bootlicking · toady · cringing · sniveling · deferential · submissive · adulatory · compliant
affected
Artificially contrived behavior
- artificialMade, not natural
- coyAffectedly modest
- demureModestly reserved in manner
saccharine · cloying · syrupy · sugary · precious · mincing · theatrical · overdone · exaggerated · unnatural
smarmy
Insincerely ingratiating
disingenuous · false · glib · superficial · hollow · flattering · smooth-talking · two-faced · manipulative · calculating
smirking
Smiling with smugness
- sneeringExpressing scorn facially
- superciliousArrogantly contemptuous of others
- condescendingSuperior and dismissive manner
haughty · patronizing · smug · self-satisfied · snide · mocking · derisive · disdainful · scornful · arrogant
- Affected Speechaffectation, airs, pretentiousness, posh accent, overenunciation
- submissivesubmissive, subservient, obedient, servile, docile