smart aleck
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of smart aleck
An Americanism first recorded in 1860–65; generic use of Aleck, nickname for Alexander
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.
He’s a pint-sized smart aleck who cares deeply for Dunk.
From Salon • Jan. 17, 2026
She is an outraged activist, a smart aleck, an angsty dreamer of a girl.
From New York Times • Feb. 26, 2023
The puppet replied, “Eddie, how long have you been on the air?” — leading Sullivan to retort, “Topo, nobody likes a smart aleck mouse.”
From Washington Post • Nov. 10, 2019
OK, a smart aleck would say that’s a low bar.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 21, 2019
He threw the bag into the air, said “Arigatō” a little rudely, kind of like a smart aleck, then said, “Next time I’ll bring you something. Maybe a kimono? And then you’ll give me rice.”
From "A Place to Belong" by Cynthia Kadohata
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
