smart aleck

Insufferably clever person

A smart aleck is a person who makes smug, annoying displays of cleverness—someone who always has a wisecrack or a know-it-all answer: Don't be such a smart aleck.

The term implies irritation at the person's attitude rather than admiration for their wit.

Also spelled smart-aleck or smartaleck, and used as an adjective: a smart-aleck remark.

archetype

know-it-all

Self-proclaimed authority on everything

hotshot · braggart · blowhard · wiseguy · class clown · heckler · loudmouth · bigmouth · wisecracker · joker

attitude

snarky

Mockingly critical in tone

impertinent · insolent · cocky · smug · arrogant · impudent · irreverent · brazen · audacious · brash

behavior

wisecrack

Flippant clever remark

backtalk · sass · lip · snark · jibe · taunt · jeer · one-liner · zinger · put-down

mockery

sarcasm

Irony used to mock

irony · scorn · disdain · contempt · sneer · scoff · lampoon · parody · caricature · banter

cleverness

quick-witted

Fast at thinking

  • sharpFine-edged, or astute
  • shrewdPractically clever, perceptive
  • cunningSly, scheming cleverness

crafty · sly · clever · witty · glib · facile · sharp-tongued · nimble · fast-talking · smooth-talking

Categories
Opposites
social demeanor and humility

smart aleckwallflower

Shy person avoiding socializing

shrinking violet · doormat · yes-man · quiet type · milquetoast

type of wit or cleverness

smart aleckstraight shooter

Forthright, blunt person

straight man · naif · innocent · sage · dullard

Family

smart, smarts, smarting, smarty, smarter, outsmart, smartphone, smartly, smartness

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G