smart alec(k)

One who makes jokes and uses sarcasm in an attempt to seem witty, but instead is deemed annoying. I'd had enough of that smart aleck's wisecracks, so I left the party early. Don't be such a smart alec, Sally.

smart alec (or aleck)

a person considered irritating because they know a great deal or always have a clever answer to a question.

From the male personal name Alec, a short form of Alexander.

a ˈsmart alec/aleck

(informal, disapproving) a person who tries to show that they are cleverer than everyone else: Some smart alec wrote in to say that the last edition of the newspaper contained 37 printing errors.

See also: alec, aleck, smart

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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References in periodicals archive

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Now, who on earth is the smart Alec who thought of this one?

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Before some 'smart Alec' says you should work for your benefit, these benefits are paid into when people are employed by the very same people who are claiming now, just the same as if you go to the doctor or hospital.

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Instead I'll be waiting for some smart Alec to invent one that wakes you up to the aroma of muesli, half a grapefruit and sesame seeds.

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While many 'amateur film makers' ran from pillar to post to complete their film within the time frame given by the organisers, one 'Smart Alec' submitted an old film and took away the awards.

Smart Alec!