adjective
smug
smuhg
adjective
1
Overly pleased with oneself, in a way that others find annoying.
"He gave a smug grin after winning the argument."
"There's nothing worse than a smug know-it-all at a dinner party."
How to Use Smug
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSelf-satisfied in an irritating way — thinking you're better or smarter than everyone else and showing it.
Common mistake
Always negative — you would never compliment someone by calling them smug.
Common pairings
smug smile
smug satisfaction
a smug look
Word Forms
smugger comparative, smugged past tense, smugs singular, smuggest superlative
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He gave a _____ grin after winning the argument.
Etymology
From an earlier sense of "neat, spruce," borrowed from Low German smuk ("pretty, trim").