Wiseguy Meaning in English

word

US

ˈwaɪzˌɡaɪ

WYZE-gye

UK

wˈaɪsɡaɪ

WYZ-gye

Definition

A 'wiseguy' is someone who acts clever in an annoying or sarcastic way, or in American slang, a member of the Mafia.

Usage & Nuances

Mainly informal and often mildly disapproving. Common for teasing, especially for someone making sarcastic jokes. In U.S. crime slang, refers to a Mafia member. Don’t confuse with 'wise man' (truly intelligent).

• Spanish: listillo - mafioso (jerga)
• Portuguese (BR): espertinho - mafioso (gíria)
• Portuguese (PT): espertinho - mafioso (gíria)
• Chinese (Simplified): 自作聪明的人 - 黑手党分子（俚语）
• Chinese (Traditional): 自作聰明的人 - 黑手黨分子（俚語）
• Hindi: चालाक व्यक्ति - माफिया सदस्य (स्लैंग)
• Arabic: ذكي متذاكي - عضو في المافيا (مصطلح دارج)
• Bengali: জ্ঞানপাপী - মাফিয়া সদস্য
• Russian: остряк - член мафии
• Japanese: 生意気（な人） - マフィアのメンバー
• Vietnamese: kẻ kiêu ngạo - gangster (thành viên mafia)
• Korean: 건방진 사람 - 마피아 조직원
• Turkish: ukalık yapan - mafya üyesi
• Urdu: عقلمند دکھنے والا - مافیا رکن
• Indonesian: orang sok pintar - anggota mafia

Example Sentences

Don't be a wiseguy in class, please.

basic

He acted like a wiseguy and made everyone laugh.

basic

She doesn't like wiseguys who joke too much.

basic

Okay, wiseguy, how about you try it yourself?

natural

The movie is about a Mafia wiseguy trying to leave the business.

natural

Every group has a wiseguy who thinks they know everything.

natural