Smack of Meaning in English
expression
ˈsmæk/ /ˈəv
SMAK-uhv
smˈæk/ /ˈɒv
SMAK-ov
Definition
To seem to have a particular unpleasant or suspicious quality; to suggest something negative or improper.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used in formal or semi-formal contexts. Commonly follows 'It' or subjects like 'This decision smacks of favoritism.' Implies suspicion or disapproval. Not literal; 'smack' here means 'strongly suggest.'
Spanish: parecer - tener un aire de (negativo)Portuguese (BR): parecer - soar a (algo negativo)Portuguese (PT): parecer - soar a (algo negativo)Chinese (Simplified): 带有…的味道（贬义）Chinese (Traditional): 帶有…的味道（貶義）Hindi: की झलक देना (नकारात्मक)Arabic: يبدو كأنّه - يحمل طابع (سلبي)Bengali: গন্ধ পাওয়া - ছাপ থাকাRussian: попахивать - отдавать (чем-либо негативным)Japanese: ～の気配がある - ～のにおいがする (否定的)Vietnamese: có vẻ - mang mùi (nghĩa tiêu cực)Korean: 냄새가 나다 (부정적 의미) - 기운이 풍기다Turkish: izlenimi vermek - havası olmak (olumsuz anlamda)Urdu: بو آنا (منفی تاثر دینا)Indonesian: tercium bau - terkesan (makna negatif)
Example Sentences
His comments smack of arrogance.
basic
This decision smacks of unfairness.
basic
Her excuse smacks of dishonesty.
basic
To be honest, that explanation smacks of a cover-up.
natural
The company’s response smacks of trying to avoid responsibility.
natural
That offer smacks of desperation—why else would the price be so low?
natural