smarm

Noun

1. (countable, uncountable) Smarmy language or behavior.
2. (countable, slang, uncountable) A style of fan fiction in which characters are warm and caring toward each other but without sexual overtones.

Verb

1. (intransitive) To fawn, to be unctuous.
2. (transitive) To address in a fawning and unctuous manner.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/smɑːm/

Etymology

The 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.

Synonyms

fulsomeness

unction

slickness

slipperiness

smooth

smooth down

flattery

oleaginousness

slick down

Translations

magarrufa

manyagueria

obsequiositat

onction

gladstrijken