smarmy

/ˈsmɑːmi/ (bre, ipa) · [smˈɑrmi] /ˈsmɑːrmi/ (ame, ipa) · [smˈɑrmi] /ˈsmär-mē How to pronounce smarmy (audio)/ (ame, mw)

smarmy — adjective

  • smarmypositive
  • smarmiercomparative
  • smarmiestsuperlative

1. too friendly, respectful, or eager to help, with a false sweetness that makes pe

1.形容詞C1
釋義

too friendly, respectful, or eager to help, with a false sweetness that makes people uneasy and suggests the person is trying to win approval

例句

Christopher gave the hotel inspector a smarmy grin and praised every lamp.

collocation: smarmy grin

Yasmin ignored the smarmy caller who kept complimenting her voice.

同義詞
  • oily

    very close in meaning; often used for a voice, smile, or manner that feels slippery and false

  • ingratiating

    more neutral in tone; focuses on trying hard to please or gain favor

  • obsequious

    stronger and more formal; suggests excessive respect toward someone with more power

  • unctuous

    formal and literary; highlights smooth, fake friendliness

反義詞
  • sincere

    shows genuine feeling instead of calculated politeness

  • straightforward

    direct and plain, without flattering behavior

文法句型

smarmy smile / grin / tone

sound smarmy

be smarmy to/toward + person

用法筆記

Usually describes smiles, voices, compliments, apologies, or people who are trying hard to win favor. Distinguish from 'polite': polite behavior can be genuine, but 'smarmy' suggests calculated friendliness that makes other people uncomfortable.

常見錯誤

❌The receptionist was smarmy because she greeted every guest politely.
✅The receptionist was polite, not smarmy.
💡'Smarmy' suggests fake, overdone friendliness used to gain approval, not normal courtesy.
❌The winner looked smarmy after the race.
✅The winner looked smug after the race.
💡'Smarmy' is about insincere charm toward others, while 'smug' is about self-satisfied pride.