# Alec

/ˈæɫɪk/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/alec
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a name

noun · CEFR A2 · British English

a short form of the male name Alexander, common in Scotland.

For teachers: a diminutive form of the masculine given name Alexander, particularly associated with Scottish usage.

- Alec was always the fastest runner in our primary school class.
- Alec, a common diminutive in Edinburgh, often serves as a standalone given name in contemporary Scottish records.

### 2. pickled fish

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Technical

a type of small fish, like a herring or anchovy, that has been dried or pickled.

For teachers: a small clupeid fish, such as a herring or anchovy, specifically when preserved through pickling or drying.

- The traditional recipe calls for a side of alec served with dark bread.
- The merchant specialised in imported alec, providing the local market with high-quality pickled herring from the northern coasts.

## Examples

- Don't be such a smart alec when I'm trying to help you.
- The teacher grew tired of the smart alec in the back row who constantly interrupted the lesson with sarcastic jokes.
- While his colleagues found his quick wit impressive, his tendency to play the smart alec during serious board meetings eventually hindered his chances for a promotion.

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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.