Smug
Adjective
Definition: Having or showing an excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements.
Synonyms: Self-satisfied, Complacent, Conceited, Arrogant
Antonyms: Humble, Modest, Unassuming
Examples:
- The politician's smug smile irritated the audience.
- She walked around with a smug attitude, thinking she was better than everyone else.
Mnemonics:
- Smug sounds like "smog," which can represent a cloud of self-satisfaction.
Etymology:
Origin:
The word "smug" originated in the late 16th century from the Middle Low German word "smuck" meaning trim or neat.
Historical Usage:The term has been used to describe a self-satisfied or conceited attitude since its origin.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
"The cat that got the cream"
Explanation:This phrase is often used to describe someone who is smug or overly satisfied with themselves.
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
Confusing smugness with confidence.
Explanation:While confidence is a positive trait, smugness implies an excessive or unwarranted level of pride that can be off-putting to others.