adjective
smarmy
SMAH-mee
adjective
1
Excessively flattering or ingratiating in an insincere, oily way.
"The car salesman had a smarmy charm that made her uneasy."
How to Use Smarmy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFake-nice in a way that feels slippery and untrustworthy.
Common pairings
smarmy grin
smarmy salesman
Word Forms
smarmier comparative, smarmiest superlative
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The car salesman had a _____ charm that made her uneasy.
Etymology
Coined around 1899 from an older dialect word "smarm," which described being falsely sweet or unctuous.