First Known Use: 1551
Dictionary
smug
adjective \ˈsməg\
: having or showing the annoying quality of people who feel very pleased or satisfied with their abilities, achievements, etc.
smug·gersmug·gest
Full Definition of SMUG
1
: trim or smart in dress : spruce
2
: scrupulously clean, neat, or correct : tidy
3
: highly self-satisfied
— smug·ly adverb
— smug·ness noun
See smug defined for English-language learners
See smug defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Examples of SMUG
- Meanwhile, supporters are smug and righteous that the person who manages the world's leading stock exchange deserves every million. —Susan Lee, Wall Street Journal, 10 Sept. 2003
- Alice Norcross Pratt, a local stay-at-home mom, is portrayed as smug and pious, yet we also see glimmers of her hidden longings. —Elizabeth Graver, New York Times Book Review, 27 May 2001
- Once, Roy dared shooters to beat him with a shot between his legs. Now, he no longer passes out such smug invitations. The goalie who transformed the butterfly technique into an art form has humbly decided to keep his skates a little closer together … —Mark Kiszla, ESPN, 28 May 2001
- She was tall and beautiful and multilingual and fiercely opinionated. One of her opinions held that the rags that passed for literary magazines on campus were so smug and tame and insular that it was hopeless to even try to reform them; they simply needed to be replaced. —Tom Perrotta, Joe College, 2000
- [+]more
Origin of SMUG
probably modification of Low German smuck neat, from Middle Low German, from smucken to dress; akin to Old English smoc smock
Related to SMUG
- Synonyms
- assured, biggety (or biggity) [Southern & Midland], bigheaded, complacent, consequential, egoistic (also egoistical), egotistic (or egotistical), important, overweening, pompous, prideful, proud, self-conceited, self-important, self-opinionated, self-satisfied, conceited, stuck-up, swellheaded, vain, vainglorious
- Antonyms
- egoless, humble, modest, uncomplacent
SMUG Defined for Kids
smug
adjective \ˈsməg\
smug·gersmug·gest
Definition of SMUG for Kids
: showing a superior attitude
— smug·ly adverb
Learn More About SMUG
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up smug? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).