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Sneer vs Smug - What's the difference?

sneer | smug |

As verbs the difference between sneer and smug

is that sneer is to raise a corner of the upper lip slightly, especially in scorn while smug is to make smug, or spruce.

As a noun sneer

is a facial expression where one slightly raises one corner of the upper lip, generally indicating scorn.

As an adjective smug is

irritatingly pleased with oneself; self-satisfied.

sneer

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • To raise a corner of the upper lip slightly, especially in scorn
  • To utter with a grimace or contemptuous expression; to say sneeringly.
  • to sneer fulsome lies at a person

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A facial expression where one slightly raises one corner of the upper lip, generally indicating scorn.
  • A display of contempt; scorn.
  • * {{quote-book, year=1963, author=(Margery Allingham), title=(The China Governess)
  • , chapter=8 citation , passage=It was a casual sneer , obviously one of a long line. There was hatred behind it, but of a quiet, chronic type, nothing new or unduly virulent, and he was taken aback by the flicker of amazed incredulity that passed over the younger man's ravaged face.}}

    See also

    * snarl

    Anagrams

    * ----

    smug

    English

    Adjective

    (smugger)
  • Irritatingly pleased with oneself; self-satisfied.
  • Kate looked extremely smug this morning.
  • (obsolete) Studiously neat or nice, especially in dress; spruce; affectedly precise; smooth and prim.
  • * Robynson (More's Utopia)
  • They be so smug and smooth.
  • * De Quincey
  • the smug and scanty draperies of his style
  • * Beaumont and Fletcher
  • A young, smug , handsome holiness has no fellow.

    Synonyms

    * self-satisfied * complacent

    Derived terms

    * smugly * smugness

    Verb

    (smugg)
  • (obsolete) To make smug, or spruce.
  • * Dryton
  • Thus said, he smugged his beard, and stroked up fair.
    (Webster 1913)

    Anagrams

    * *