smarm
Americannoun
verb
-
to flatten (the hair, etc) with cream or grease
-
to ingratiate oneself (with)
noun
Etymology
Origin of smarm
First recorded in 1935–40; back formation from smarmy
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Among the major problems is the lead performance of Mr. Pattinson, who gives us a greasy, erratic character bereft of the charm, smarm and rounded baritone that TV newsmen rely on.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 24, 2026
Oliver brings in Matthew Broderick, playing himself with exaggerated smarm, who effortlessly breezes through the patter song.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 28, 2024
But it would need something more like a cordon sanitaire to protect the audience from the trickle of smarm that leaks from the play.
From New York Times ● Mar. 28, 2022
Maybe it’s the exhausting smarm, the squirrelly ambition, the hollow theatrics.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 18, 2021
I suppose you know, Jean—I don't want to be discouraging—that you will get very little gratitude, that the people you try to help will smarm to your face and blackguard you behind your back?
From Penny Plain by O. Douglas
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
