smug
SMUG
/smʌɡ/
Having or showing an excessive satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements.
Refers to a self-satisfied grin, annoying contentedness, and belief that one is completely right.
The story behind the word. Originated in Low German 'smuk', meaning neat, tidy, or well-groomed. In 16th-century English, 'smug' meant smartly dressed, but over time shifted to describe someone who is insufferably pleased with their tidy position.
Word relationships
- complacent: Complacent means unconcerned due to unwarranted satisfaction; smug includes an irritating outward smirk.
- self-satisfied: Self-satisfied is neutral; smug carries an annoying, arrogant tone.
- self-critical: Evaluating one's own faults harshly.
- modest: Refraining from bragging about achievements.
Commonly confused with
- snug: Snug means cozy, comfortable, or warm; smug means self-satisfied.
Word family
- smugness (noun): Excessive self-satisfaction.
- smugly (adverb): In a smug manner.
Collocations
- smug smile
- smug look
- smug satisfaction
- smug expression
Idioms & expressions
- grinning like a Cheshire cat
- pleased as Punch
Example sentences
- "He wiped the smug look off his face when the exam results revealed he had barely passed." Casual reaction
- "The candidate's smug attitude during the debate alienated working-class voters who wanted empathy." Political commentary
Memory hook
A SMUG person wears a self-satisfied SMIRK. Self-satisfied smirk.
When not to use
Not for broad grandiosity or official legal authority; it describes irritating personal self-satisfaction.
Fun facts
- In Shakespeare's Henry IV, 'smug' is used in its original positive sense to describe a neat, well-trimmed riverbank.
Related words
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