smart aleck

noun
UK: /ˌsmɑːt ˈælək/
US: /ˌsmɑːrt ˈælək/

  1. A person who is irritating because they behave as if they know everything.

    1. Don't be a smart aleck; just answer the question.
    2. The smart aleck in the back row always has a sarcastic comment about everything.

  2. Someone who makes clever or sarcastic remarks, especially when they are not wanted.

    1. He's such a smart aleck; always trying to show off his knowledge.
    2. The teacher warned him not to be a smart aleck or he'd be sent to the principal.

Synonyms

know-it-all wise guy
smart aleck intransitive-verb

  1. To behave in an irritating way, as if you know more than everyone else.

    1. Stop smart alecking and listen to the instructions.
    2. He's always smart alecking his boss, which is not a good career move.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "smart aleck" in English means: A person who is irritating because they behave as if they know everything., Someone who makes clever or sarcastic remarks, especially when they are not wanted..

The phonetic transcription of "smart aleck" is /ˌsmɑːt ˈælək/ in British English and /ˌsmɑːrt ˈælək/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "smart aleck": know-it-all, wise guy.

Example usage of "smart aleck": "Don't be a smart aleck; just answer the question.". More examples on the page.