Etymology of smart alec
WebThe name Alec is boy's name of Greek origin meaning "defending men". Alec, though an old nickname for Alexander, is much fresher sounding than Alex, with the additional advantage, at least to some parents, of being distinctly male (there are as many girl Alexes these days as there are boys). While Alec has a clipped British image, it's actually ... WebAlec definition: a herring Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples
Etymology of smart alec
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WebSmart Alec. Previous Page. Smart Alec : Phrases Meaning: A somewhat conceited, know-it-all person; someone who makes wisecrack comments. Example: Listen smart Alec.My toupee is none of your business. Origin: Smart Alec dates back to mid-19th century America. Regarding the identity of Alec, most American dictionaries point to Alec Hoag, … WebThe meaning of SMART ALECK is an obnoxiously conceited and self-assertive person with pretensions to smartness or cleverness. ... Etymology. Aleck, nickname for Alexander. First Known Use. 1864, in the meaning defined above. Time Traveler. The first known use of smart aleck was in 1864. See more words from the same year ...
WebJan 20, 2009 · According to G.L. Cohen, author of Studies in Slang Part 1 (1985), the phrase smart alec (k) arose from the exploits of one Alec Hoag. A celebrated pimp, thief, and confidence man operating out of New York City in the 1840’s, Mr. Hoag, along with his wife Melinda and an accomplice known as “French Jack,” operated a con called the … Web«Smart aleck» Meaning of smart aleck in the English dictionary with examples of use. Synonyms for smart aleck and translation of smart aleck to 25 languages. ... ETYMOLOGY OF THE WORD SMART ALECK. From Aleck, Alec, short for Alexander. Etymology is the study of the origin of words and their changes in structure and …
WebThe meaning of WISEACRE is one who pretends to knowledge or cleverness; especially : smart aleck. How to use wiseacre in a sentence. Wiseacre Has Old English Roots Websmart aleck (n.) also smart alek , smart alec , "would-be clever person," by 1863 ["Weekly Butte Record," Oroville, Calif., May 16, 1863], of unknown origin. Barnhart suggests perhaps in reference to Aleck Hoag, notorious pimp, thief, and confidence man in New York City …
WebSep 28, 2016 · Few folks called Smart Alec, for example, appear to take violet umbrage. Smart Alec, wise ass, and wiseacre all appear to be synonyms. Smart Alec(k): The Origin. The major dictionaries, including those in the specialty areas of idiom and slang, are in consensus that Smart Aleck, a term that first appeared in the U.S. in the 1860s, most …
WebMar 11, 2024 · Ysbrand Cosijn/Shutterstock. How curious that the expression "smart alec," which The Urban Dictionary considers to be a family-friendly phrase, has its origins in a … cold case series castWebJan 17, 2024 · smart alec; Etymology . Aleck is a nickname for the male given name Alexander. The phrase "smart aleck" is possibly derived from the name of Aleck Hoag, … dr martens boots with socksWebThe meaning of WISE GUY is smart aleck. How to use wise guy in a sentence. cold case series tvWebJan 29, 2024 · smart (v.) smart. (v.) Middle English smerten, "to cause pain, to suffer pain," from Old English smeortan "be painful," in reference to wounds, from Proto-Germanic … dr martens boots rainbowWebalec: 2. a sauce or relish made from small herring or anchovies. dr martens boots with heartsWebMar 27, 2024 · Smart aleck definition: an irritatingly oversmart person Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples dr martens capper vintage smoothWebDefinition of smart-alec noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. ... Word Origin mid 19th cent.: from smart + Alec, diminutive of the given name Alexander. Definitions on the go. Look up any word in the dictionary offline, ... dr martens boots yellow