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Swarthy vs Smarmy - What's the difference?

swarthy | smarmy |

As adjectives the difference between swarthy and smarmy

is that swarthy is tawny, dusky, dark while smarmy is falsely earnest, smug, or ingratiating.

swarthy

English

Adjective

(er)
  • tawny, dusky, dark
  • dark-skinned
  • * Addison
    • Their swarthy hosts would darken all our plains.
  • (nonstandard) evil, malicious
  • (nonstandard) weathered, rough

    • smarmy

    English

    Adjective

    (er)
  • Falsely earnest, smug, or ingratiating.
    • a smarmy salesman with a big smile

    Synonyms

    * (falsely earnest or smug) flattering, gushing, ingratiating, oily, smug

    Related terms

    * smarm * smarmily * smarminess