wise guy

American  

noun

1. Informal. a cocksure, conceited, and often insolent person; smart aleck.

   He has a reputation for being a wise guy.

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wise guy British  

noun

1. informal a person who is given to making conceited, sardonic, or insolent comments

2. a member of the Mafia

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wise guy Idioms  

1. An obnoxious know-it-all, a person who makes sarcastic or annoying remarks, as in the teacher was delighted that the worst wise guy in the class was moving out of town. [Slang; second half of 1800s] Also see smart aleck.

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Other Word Forms

• wise-guy
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of wise guy

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The wise buyer will reject with scorn any rug, under whatsoever name offered, which shows no other colouring than various shades of chocolate brown.

From The Oriental Rug A Monograph on Eastern Rugs and Carpets, Saddle-Bags, Mats & Pillows, with a Consideration of Kinds and Classes, Types, Borders, Figures, Dyes, Symbols, etc. Together with Some Practical Advice to Collectors. by Ellwanger, W. D. (William DeLancey)

Related Words

• know-it-all