smarm

[smahrm]

noun

behavior or speech that is smarmy.

Origin of smarm

First recorded in 1935–40; back formation from smarmy

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for smarm

Contemporary Examples of smarm

For such searing, challenging dreams, we have only snark or smarm.
How to Fight for Freedom in 2014
James Poulos
December 29, 2013

British Dictionary definitions for smarm

smarm

verb

(tr often foll by down) to flatten (the hair, etc) with cream or grease
(when intr, foll by up to) to ingratiate oneself (with)

noun

obsequious flattery

Word Origin for smarm

C19: of unknown origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for smarm

1914, from colloquial verb smalm, smarm "to smear, bedaub" (the hair, with pomade), 1847, of unknown origin, perhaps somehow suggestive of the action. Verbal meaning "to smear with flattery" is from 1902.