smirk

English

Alternative forms

Etymology
A smirk

From Middle English smirken, from Old English smercian, smearcian (“to smile, smirk”), corresponding to smerian + -cian (English -k), the former element from Proto-Germanic *smarōną (“to mock, scoff at”), and the latter from Proto-Germanic *-kōną. Compare Middle High German smielen/smieren (“to smile”) ( > obsolete, rare German schmieren).

Pronunciation

Noun

smirk (plural smirks)

  1. An uneven, often crooked smile that is insolent, self-satisfied or scornful.
  2. A forced or affected smile; a simper.
    • Sir Walter Scott
      The bride, all smirk and blush, had just entered.

Derived terms
Derived terms

Translations

Verb

smirk (third-person singular simple present smirks, present participle smirking, simple past and past participle smirked)

  1. To smile in a way that is affected, smug, insolent or contemptuous.

Synonyms

Translations

Adjective

smirk (comparative more smirk, superlative most smirk)

  1. (obsolete) smart; spruce; affected; simpering
    • Spenser
      So smirk, so smooth.

Anagrams
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