smarm
smarm · smarms · smarmed · smarming
To fawn, to be unctuousTo fawn, to be unctuous.
UK/smɑːm/US/smɑɹm/
Meaning
2 senses(intransitive)To fawn, to be unctuous.
(transitive)To address in a fawning and unctuous manner.
Origin
The noun is attested since 1914, from the colloquial verb smalm, smarm (“to smear, bedaubThe noun is attested since 1914, from the colloquial verb smalm, smarm (“to smear, bedaub (hair, with pomade)”), attested since 1847, of unknown origin, perhaps somehow suggestive of the action. Verbal meaning "to smear with flattery" is from 1902.
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Forms
smarms, smarming, smarmed, smarmedLessons for this word
3 lessons- A1Present simple — Because it is a verb
- A1Past simple, regular verbs — Because of its past form
- A2Present perfect: introduction — Because of its past participle