smarm
1
9.7
- noun
- /smɑrm/
- Informal
:
adulación
- Crowley and Dick will be the battle of the smarm.
Examples
-
There's a real estate ad on Phoenix TV where the realtor's vocal style is complete smarm.
Blog text (11) -
That when we defeat Gluck and rub his nose in all that greasy smarm, that you will adapt my novel and put it on stage at the Palais Royal.
-
I'm glad to see the snap polls showing that folks favored the Prez, because even though he had reality on his side, I sensed that the smarm was strong with Romney tonight.
Blog text (26) -
We won't be able to change people's opinions with heavy-handed sarcasm and smarm; it'll only reinforce their ridiculous beliefs if we just outright attack them.
Blog text (13) -
His constant smarm made everyone question his true intentions.
-
She won the promotion by using smarm instead of genuine talent.
-
The politician's speech was filled with smarm, aiming to win over the crowd.
Synonyms
37
4.7
Praise people give without meaning it to get something from someone
18
8.4
Too much praise that is not honest and meant to get approval
5
4.4
Gentle persuasion using praise or kind words to get someone to do something
3
4.3
Flattering words that try to persuade someone but are not sincere
1
9.9
Speech or manner that feels false and too eager to please
1
9.2
Too much praise that tries to make people like you
1
8.4
Gentle praise and kind words used to get someone to do something
A way of behaving that praises people in charge to get their favor
A way of acting that flatters a person, often a boss, to get favour
Acting too friendly and praising people in power to get favors
A habit of flattering and obeying a person in power to gain favor
Showing too much praise and attention to please someone
Praise that is fake and meant to make someone like you or help you
Excessive praise that feels fake and forced
Antonyms
How Insincere
- Formal
1
9.5
1
9.9
- Informal
1
9.7
- Formal
18
8.4
37
4.7
Surface Forms
Etymology
Smarm comes from an old word meaning 'to smear' or 'to grease', like smoothing someone with oil. Think of someone 'oiling' another with smooth, false praise, and that's why smarm now means excessive, insincere flattery used to gain favor.