smug

[smuhg]

adjective

smugger, smuggest 

1. contentedly confident of one's ability, superiority, or correctness; complacent.

2. trim; spruce; smooth; sleek.

smug

/ smʌɡ /

adjective

1. excessively self-satisfied or complacent

2. archaic,  trim or neat

Other Word Forms

• smugly adverb
• smugness noun
• unsmug adjective
• unsmugness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of smug¹

First recorded in 1545–55; perhaps from Middle Dutch smuc “neat, pretty, nice”

Word History and Origins

Origin of smug¹

C16: of Germanic origin; compare Low German smuck neat

Example Sentences

I wish I’m the Shard of the goddess of heat vision—so I could shoot it right through Benefo’s smug face.

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The boys’ lips trembled, and Veronika flung her arm skyward in smug satisfaction.

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“I believe the chef has prepared a delicious pie,” the admiral replied with a smug sideways look at Penelope.

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But where “The Monkey’s” snide sense of humor about its kills quickly grew smug, this time Perkins’ light touch — even during the most frightening moments — gives this slight film just the right proportionality.

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I chose the sun-loving couple for the image, not because they look smug but because they look happy.

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Related Words

• complacent 
• egotistical www.thesaurus.com
• pompous 
• self-righteous 
• self-satisfied