Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun A smart aleck.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun Alternative spelling of smart ass.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • In the same day and the same sentence, there’d be the devoted Ray, the husband Ray, and then there’d be the other, the one I’ve called a smart-ass.

    Raymond Carver Carol Sklenicka 2009

  • How she could find such a smart-ass even the least bit attractive was beyond her.

    Healing the Highlander Melissa Mayhue 2011

  • So, what, you think someone tampered with my brakes because I was a smart-ass to them?

    The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf Molly Harper 2011

  • The love of my life is a human and an outsider . . . and an incredible smart-ass.

    The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf Molly Harper 2011

  • Ricky was the resident smart-ass, which sort of endeared him to me.

    The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf Molly Harper 2011

  • I resisted the urge to give him a smart-ass salute and followed him down the dank concrete hallway.

    My Fair Succubi Jill Myles 2011

  • Three children: the two eldest, boys, handsome athletes, quick-witted, self-starters; the youngest, a dark-haired and perfect girl, a little brash, a bit of a smart-ass, her acerbic wit softened by a capacity for graciousness and kindness, and encouraged in the security of exclusive schools and the protection of her father and brothers.

    O: A Presidential Novel Anonymous 2011

  • That smart-ass little answer was exactly what I needed to snap my mood back into place.

    The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf Molly Harper 2011

  • When steady enough to stand upright without fearing my balance was compromised, my smart-ass mouth opened.

    Arcane Circle Linda Robertson 2011

  • Because my smart-ass karma combined with my genes might create some sort of evil superbaby.

    The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf Molly Harper 2011

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