# smart arse

idiom · Vulgar

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/smart-arse
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

One who is particularly flippant or insolent or tends to make snide remarks or jokes.

## Examples

- Don't be such a smart arse during the meeting.
- He thinks he is funny, but his constant interruptions make him look like a total smart arse.
- While his sharp wit was occasionally amusing, his tendency to act like a smart arse often alienated his colleagues during serious discussions.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.