smarminess
1
9.2
- noun
- /ˈsmɑːrmɪnɪs/
- Informal
- Layering smarminess on smarminess, pointing fingers at the airlines, and attempting to blame the Hicks family for lack of action doesn't accomplish a thing.
Examples
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The politician's smarminess was evident in his overly flattering speeches aimed at winning votes.
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Any sexual metaphor was incredibly weak and nothing compared to the extended smarminess of the Lena Dunham video.
Blog text (34) -
Willful obtuseness coupled with smarminess doesn't help either.
Blog text (8) -
Layering smarminess on smarminess, pointing fingers at the airlines, and attempting to blame the Hicks family for lack of action doesn't accomplish a thing.
Blog text (9) -
His faux enthusiasm and constant praise revealed a troubling smarminess that made many uncomfortable.
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Despite his charming smile, there was a smarminess in his compliments that felt insincere and manipulative.
Synonyms
26
4.3
Flattering words that try to persuade someone but are not sincere
1
9.7
Praise that is too much and not sincere to make someone like you
1
7.6
A smooth, insincere way of talking that tries to please people
1
9.9
Speech or manner that feels false and too eager to please
1
9.9
A false friendliness that tries to please or impress people
1
9.3
A way of speaking that is too friendly and seems not sincere
1
9.8
Speaking in a smooth, confident way that does not seem sincere
1
9.9
Excessive praise that feels fake and forced
Being unpleasantly smooth and too friendly
Praise that is fake and meant to make someone like you or help you
A way of behaving that praises people in charge to get their favor
Antonyms
How Insincere
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Smarminess comes from smarm, a word related to smear that means 'to smooth' or 'to rub'. Imagine someone 'smoothing' their words like oil to make them sound nice but not honest. That's why smarminess means being too flattering and not sincere.