Word
smartass
Phoneticssmar·tass, stress on the first syllable
/ˈsmɑɹˈtæs/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a person who tries to look very clever in an annoying way, often with sarcastic jokes. You use this when someone shows off instead of being helpful.
n. a person who displays intelligence in an irritating or smug manner, typically through sarcastic or pedantic remarks. Carries a derogatory tone that criticises the attitude, not the intelligence itself.
Examples
“He acts like a smartass in every meeting.”
“The new trainee answers every question with a smirk, and coworkers already call him a smartass behind his back.”
“She played the office smartass to perfection, correcting minor errors with a smile that made even simple feedback feel like a public challenge.”
Examples
simple
“He acts like a smartass in every meeting.”
contextual
“The new trainee answers every question with a smirk, and coworkers already call him a smartass behind his back.”
complex
“She played the office smartass to perfection, correcting minor errors with a smile that made even simple feedback feel like a public challenge.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “smartass” in context.
Verb
01. act like smartass
“Stop trying to act like a smartass and just help us.”
verb + prep + noun
02. deal with smartass
“I do not have time to deal with some smartass today.”
verb + prep + noun
03. ignore smartass
“Just ignore that smartass and finish your presentation.”
verb + noun
04. smartass smirks
“The smartass smirks every time the teacher makes a mistake.”
noun + verb
Adjective
05. arrogant smartass
“Nobody invites that arrogant smartass because he mocks everyone.”
adj + noun
06. cocky smartass
“That cocky smartass in the back row always has a sarcastic answer.”
adj + noun
07. sarcastic smartass
“He plays the sarcastic smartass, but he rarely does any work.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. office smartass
“Our office smartass always ruins meetings with sarcastic jokes.”
noun + noun
09. remark from smartass
“That was just another rude remark from some smartass.”
noun + prep + noun
10. don't be a smartass
“Don't be a smartass — just give me a straight answer.”
11. nobody likes a smartass
“Be helpful in the interview; nobody likes a smartass.”
12. play the smartass
“He loves to play the smartass in every discussion.”
Etymology
From smart + -ass.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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