When Was Smarmy First Used?
The First Known Use of Smarmy Was in 1924. Where Did the Word Smarmy Come from? the Word Comes from Smarm, a Verb, Meaning First to Smear, as in Put Pomade on...
The first known use of smarmy was in 1924.
Where did the word smarmy come from?
The word comes from smarm, a verb, meaning first to smear, as in put pomade on your hair, and from that meaning to behave in an oily, obsequious, flattering way. It in turn comes from smalm, a word for hair ointment – in British English, smalm and smarm (and smawm, another spelling) are pronounced the same way.
Is smarmy a British word?
smarmy in American English
excessively or unctuously flattering, ingratiating, servile, etc.
Sarah Jenkins is a veteran tech journalist with over 12 years of experience covering artificial intelligence, mobile innovations, and digital ethics. Her insights have appeared in leading technology publications worldwide.
