SMUG

smug, self-satisfied

(adjective) marked by excessive complacency or self-satisfaction; “a smug glow of self-congratulation”

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Adjective

smug (comparative smugger, )

Irritatingly pleased with oneself, offensively self-complacent, self-satisfied.

(obsolete) Studiously neat or nice, especially in dress; spruce; affectedly precise; smooth and prim.

Synonyms

• gloaty

• self-satisfied

• complacent

• See also arrogant

Verb

smug (third-person singular simple present smugs, present participle smugging, simple past and past participle smugged)

(obsolete, transitive) To make smug, or spruce.

(obsolete, transitive) To seize; to confiscate.

(obsolete, transitive, slang) To hush up.

Anagrams

• Gums, MGUs, gums, mugs

Source: Wiktionary


Smug, a. Etym: [Of. Scand. or Low German origin; cf. LG. smuck, G. schmuck, Dan. smuk, OSw. smuck, smöck, and E. smock, smuggle; cf. G. schmuck ornament. See Smock.]

Definition: Studiously neat or nice, especially in dress; spruce; affectedly precise; smooth and prim. They be so smug and smooth. Robynson (More's Utopia). The smug and scanty draperies of his style. De Quincey. A young, smug, handsome holiness has no fellow. Beau & Fl.

Smug, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Smugged; p. pr. & vb. n. Smugging.]

Definition: To make smug, or spruce. [Obs.] Thus said, he smugged his beard, and stroked up fair. Dryton.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

29 May 2025

CRITICAL

(adjective) characterized by careful evaluation and judgment; “a critical reading”; “a critical dissertation”; “a critical analysis of Melville’s writings”


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