Smart ass Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈsmɑɹt/ /ˈæs

SMART-ass

UK

smˈɑːt/ /æs

sMAHT-ass

Definition

An informal and often rude term for a person who acts like they know everything, makes clever or sarcastic remarks, or tries to show off their intelligence in an annoying way.

Usage & Nuances

Very informal and can be rude or offensive if used directly. Commonly used in friendly teasing or criticism when someone is being witty in an annoying way. Can be spelled 'smartass' or 'smart-ass'. Avoid in formal settings.

• Spanish: sabelotodo (despectivo) - sabiondo (despectivo)
• Portuguese (BR): sabichão (gíria, pejorativo) - espertinho (pejorativo)
• Portuguese (PT): sabichão (gíria, pejorativo) - espertinho (pejorativo)
• Chinese (Simplified): 自作聪明的人 - 爱耍聪明的人（贬义）
• Chinese (Traditional): 自作聰明的人 - 愛耍聰明的人（貶義）
• Hindi: चतुर बनना (व्यंग्यात्मक) - बोलचाल में चालाक आदमी
• Arabic: مفتِ نظر (سلبي) - يتذاكى (معنى سلبي)
• Bengali: চালাক-চতুর - বেশি জ্ঞানপাপী
• Russian: умник - всезнайка (разг., негативн.)
• Japanese: 生意気なやつ - 知ったかぶり
• Vietnamese: kẻ láu cá - kẻ ra vẻ hiểu biết
• Korean: 잘난 척하는 사람 - 똑똑한 척하는 사람
• Turkish: ukala - çokbilmiş
• Urdu: بدتمیز عقل مند - شوخ دماغ
• Indonesian: sok tahu - sok pintar

Example Sentences

Don't be a smart ass when I'm trying to be serious.

basic

He always acts like a smart ass in class.

basic

Stop being such a smart ass!

basic

Okay, smart ass, what’s your answer then?

natural

Why do you have to be a smart ass about everything I say?

natural

Yeah, she’s a smart ass—but sometimes she’s actually right.

natural