smug
smug
Pronunciation
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
sm - /s/ (voiceless alveolar fricative) + /m/ (bilabial nasal)
ug - /ʌ/ (open-mid back unrounded vowel) + /ɡ/ (voiced velar plosive)
Word Form Variations
The word "smug" doesn't have plural or singular variations as it's an adjective. However, it does have comparative and superlative forms:
Comparative: smugger
Superlative: smuggest
Additionally, there are derived forms:
Adverb: smugly
Noun: smugness
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Smug (Adjective)
Definition: Excessively proud of oneself or one's achievements.
Synonyms: Conceited, self-satisfied, arrogant, vain, haughty
Antonyms: Humble, modest, unassuming, diffident, meek
Smugly (Adverb)
Definition: In a smug manner.
Synonyms: Conceitedly, self-satisfactorily, arrogantly, vainly, haughtily
Antonyms: Humbly, modestly, unassumingly, diffidently, meekly
Smugness (Noun)
Definition: The quality or state of being smug.
Synonyms: Conceit, self-satisfaction, arrogance, vanity, haughtiness
Antonyms: Humility, modesty, unassumingness, diffidence, meekness
Examples of Use
Literature:
"He gave me a smug look, as if he knew something I didn't." (Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice)
Newspapers:
"The government's smug response to the crisis angered many citizens." (The New York Times)
Online Publications:
"Social media is full of smug posts from people who think they know everything." (BuzzFeed)
Entertainment:
"The villain smirked smugly as he carried out his evil plan." (A Marvel comic book)
"The character's smug demeanor made him instantly unlikable." (A Netflix series)
General Discourse:
"Don't be so smug about your success; others have worked hard too." (A conversation between friends)
"The politician's smug smile during the debate irritated the audience." (A news report)
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Smug
"Nothing is more smug than ignorance dressed in the robes of certainty." — Anonymous
"Beware of the smug smile—it often hides the shallowest of minds." — Anonymous
"A smug heart is a closed heart, deaf to the lessons of life." — Anonymous
"Smugness is the refuge of those who fear the unknown." — Anonymous
"The smug think they have arrived; the wise know the journey is never done." — Anonymous
"Smugness is the armor of the insecure." — Anonymous
"Smugness kills curiosity; wonder opens the world." — Anonymous
"Smugness blinds the eyes to new truths and better ways." — Anonymous
"In a world of uncertainty, smugness is the most fragile fortress of all." — Anonymous
"Smugness is the enemy of empathy and the killer of progress." — Anonymous
Etymology
The word "smug" is a bit of a mystery when it comes to its exact origin. We know it comes from an old German word, but the exact meaning and how it changed over time isn't completely clear.
One theory is that it might have come from a word meaning "neat" or "trim." Over time, this meaning seems to have shifted to describe someone who is too pleased with themselves, a bit too proud or self-satisfied.
The first time we see "smug" used in this way was around the 1600s. So, while we're not entirely sure where it started, we know it's been around for a few hundred years and has changed its meaning along the way.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Smug
While "smug" doesn't feature in many common idioms, we can explore phrases and expressions that capture its essence:
Smug satisfaction: A self-satisfied feeling of accomplishment or superiority.
Smug grin: A self-satisfied smile.
Smug look: A self-satisfied facial expression.
To look smug: To have a self-satisfied expression.
To feel smug: To feel self-satisfied or superior.
While there aren't specific idioms using "smug," we can find similar expressions that convey a similar meaning:
Holier-than-thou attitude: Acting as if one is morally superior to others.
Cock-of-the-walk: A person who behaves as if they are superior to others.
Big-headed: Arrogant and conceited.
Full of oneself: Self-absorbed and arrogant.
These phrases and idioms capture the essence of smugness, even if they don't directly use the word. They highlight the negative connotations associated with excessive self-satisfaction and pride.
Posts Related to Smug
Source Information
Definition of smug from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
