wiseacre

[ wahyz-ey-ker ]

noun

1. a person who possesses or affects to possess great wisdom.
2. wise guy.

wiseacre

/ ˈwaɪzˌeɪkə /

noun

1. a person who wishes to seem wise
2. a wise person: often used facetiously or contemptuously

Word History and Origins

Origin of wiseacre¹

1585–95; < Middle Dutch wijssager prophet, translation of Middle High German wīssage, late Old High German wīssago, by popular etymology equivalent to wīs wise + sago sayer, from earlier wīzzago wise person; cognate with Old English wītega, akin to wit ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of wiseacre¹

C16: from Middle Dutch wijsseggher soothsayer; related to Old High German wīssaga, German Weissager. See wise ¹, say

Example Sentences

Yes, as some wiseacre will point out in the comments, this is the hometown of the Chiefs.

From The Daily Beast

An order had been issued by the wiseacre in command of the Army of the Potomac that all guerrillas taken should be put to death.

From Project Gutenberg

The learned ignorance of the wiseacre always compels him to laugh at the man with an idea that is new.

From Project Gutenberg

One wiseacre in command in London declared his belief that the Tower was no longer “tenable.”

From Project Gutenberg

He had choice among the pick of women: the daughter of the Old Buccaneer was preferred by the wiseacre Coelebs.

From Project Gutenberg

And he described himself as stronger than ever, and poured scorn on the medical wiseacre who had tried to refuse him.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• smart aleck
• wise guy