smart alec

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.
See also: smart
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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.
See also: alec, smart
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

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
See also:
  • a smart alec
  • alec
  • aleck
  • smart alec(k)
  • smart aleck
  • wisenheimer
  • weisenheimer
References in periodicals archive
Damn that smart alec with his wisecracks and smouldering handsome features.
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I scanned his face for an evil grin and waited for some smart alec punch-line.
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THIS is with reference to the letter 'Smart Alec' (GDN, January 26).
Strong film message
If a Smart Alec is someone who is clever, what does that make you lot?
Your questions answered?
Now, who on earth is the smart Alec who thought of this one?
Law is barking
Smart Alec, trained by Luca Cumani, makes it two from two at Newmarket to earn a 20-1 quote for the Guineas.
Five for fun
This is not about 'smart alec tactics' -it is about political debate and free speech.
Letter: Political debate and right of free speech issue is not small fry
NOBODY likes a smart Alec,but every now and then it's satisfying to murmur a little ``I told you so''.
Hard at work being flexible; Flexible working would be a huge step forward
Which smart alec told me the Red Sea was always flat?
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Happily married to a real Hollywood smart Alec, but life has had its low points.
BEFORE THEY WERE FAMOUS
AQUARIUS No one likes a smart Alec. So think again before buying your son Alec that top hat.
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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.
Cheap labour; Your say
Ferris bueller's DAY OFF c4 11.40pM The role that defined Matthew Broderick as the thinking person's smart alec teen, in a snappily shot, razor-sharp John Hughes comedy.
THURSDAY 20
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.
I'll skip this rasher idea
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!