different between smarmily vs smarmy

English

Etymology

smarmy +? -ly

Adverb

smarmily (comparative more smarmily, superlative most smarmily)

1. In a smarmy manner.

English

Etymology

smarm +? -y Apparently coined by "B.R.L., of Brighton" with sense "saying treacly things which do not sound genuine" in a competition for neologisms in The Academy (London) published on 14 January 1899.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?sm??.mi/
• (US) IPA^(key): /?sm???.mi/
• Rhymes: -??(r)mi

Adjective

smarmy (comparative smarmier, superlative smarmiest)

1. Falsely earnest, smug, or ingratiating.

   a smarmy salesman with a big smile

2. (rare, dated) unctuous, greasy, as hair from pomade
   • 1985, Lynn Pan, Into China's Heart: An Emigré's Journey Along the Yellow River (page 200)

     He looked faintly loutish, with smarmy hair and a hint of a moustache.

   • 2002 October, Austin Branstetter, "My day as a Carnie" Top of the Hill (Montgomery Bell Academy) Vol.8 No.1 p.4:

     I pulled on my smarmy t-shirt and my ragged jeans and dragged myself to report to my supervisor.

Synonyms

• (falsely earnest or smug): flattering, gushing, ingratiating, oily, smug

Related terms

• smarm
• smarmily
• smarminess

Translations

References