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Meaning & use

smart-mouthed

adjective·Advancedinformaldisapproving

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UK/ˌsmɑːt ˈmaʊðd/
US/ˌsmɑːrt ˈmaʊðd/
Usage warning: this word is disapproving. It shows a negative opinion, so take care with who and what you use it about.

Meanings

  1. adjectivebefore a nouninformaldisapproving

    Often saying rude or cheeky things in a clever-sounding way, especially to people in authority.

    Grammar: Used before a noun: a smart-mouthed kid. It can also follow a linking verb: he was smart-mouthed.

    Patterns

    • a smart-mouthed person
    • a smart-mouthed remark
    • be smart-mouthed with someone

    The teacher sent the smart-mouthed boy to the principal's office again.

    She's smart-mouthed with her parents, but polite to everyone else.

    He made a smart-mouthed comment about the boss's tie.

  2. adjectivebefore a nouninformaldisapproving

    Showing this kind of rude, clever-sounding attitude.

    Grammar: Describes a tone, reply, or attitude rather than a person.

    Patterns

    • a smart-mouthed reply
    • a smart-mouthed tone

    I didn't appreciate her smart-mouthed reply in front of the clients.

    He answered in a smart-mouthed tone that made everyone uncomfortable.

Common combinations

smart-mouthed kid
The smart-mouthed kid kept interrupting the lesson.
smart-mouthed remark
His smart-mouthed remark got him into trouble.
smart-mouthed with someone
Don't be smart-mouthed with your grandmother.
smart-mouthed reply
She gave a smart-mouthed reply and walked away.

Synonyms and how they differ

cheeky
Cheeky is more common in British English and can sound playful; smart-mouthed usually sounds more critical.
impudent
Impudent is more formal and focuses on disrespect; smart-mouthed suggests cleverness as well.
sassy
Sassy often suggests confidence and style, sometimes approving; smart-mouthed is mostly disapproving.

Opposites

politerespectful

Word family

smart mouth noun
A person who talks in this rude, clever way, or the way of talking itself.
smart-mouthedness noun
The quality of being smart-mouthed; rare.

Commonly confused: smart-mouthed or smart aleck?

smart-mouthed vs smart aleck

A smart aleck is a person who acts like a know-it-all; smart-mouthed describes the way someone talks.

Practice

The manager warned the new intern not to be ______ with customers.

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