smug
smuhg
Smug (adjective) means Overly pleased with oneself, in a way that others find annoying. Example: “He gave a smug grin after winning the argument.”
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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like smug.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- smugs
- Past tense
- smugged
- Comparative
- smugger
- Superlative
- smuggest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He gave a _____ grin after winning the argument.
Etymology
From an earlier sense of "neat, spruce," borrowed from Low German smuk ("pretty, trim").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for smug
See all rhymes for smug →Frequently asked questions
What does “smug” mean?
The word “smug” means overly pleased with oneself, in a way that others find annoying. In plain terms, self-satisfied in an irritating way — thinking you're better or smarter than everyone else and showing it.
How do you pronounce “smug”?
“Smug” is pronounced smuhg (/smʌɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “smug” in a sentence?
Here is “smug” used in a sentence: “He gave a smug grin after winning the argument.”
What part of speech is “smug”?
“Smug” is an adjective.
Where does the word “smug” come from?
The word “smug” comes from German. From an earlier sense of "neat, spruce," borrowed from Low German smuk ("pretty, trim").
Is “smug” a common word?
“Smug” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
