smarmy

[ smahr-mee ]

adjective

smarmier, smarmiest.

1. excessively or unctuously flattering, ingratiating, servile, etc.:

   the emcee with the smarmy welcome.

smarmy

/ ˈsmɑːmɪ /

adjective

1. informal.
   obsequiously flattering or unpleasantly suave

Derived Forms

• ˈsmarminess, noun
• ˈsmarmily, adverb

Other Word Forms

• smarmi·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of smarmy¹

1905–10; smarm, variant of dial. smalm to smear, make slick (< ?) + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Twenty-three years of a smug, smarmy host, and a bunch of sportswriters desperate for sound bites and attention.

From Los Angeles Times

In addition, the artist comes off as smarmy and contentious at times, belying his “holy man” persona and populist vibe.

From Los Angeles Times

Levi plays Scott as somewhat smarmy and disingenuous — it’s hard to feel for this guy when he seems absolutely clueless about his own kids.

From Los Angeles Times

“Opus” is a knife in his own back, a dig on the smarmy relationship between press and talent.

From Los Angeles Times

Williams wants to impress upon folks that he is an iconoclast, and it comes off as smarmy.

From Salon

Related Words

• smug