Smarm/Smarmy

Origin of: Smarm/Smarmy

Smarm/Smarmy

A smarmy individual is a person who behaves in an excessively unctuous, flattering, ingratiating manner and derives from the word smarm, which means to smooth or slick down the hair with pomade, such hairstyles being typical of smarmy individuals. Both words date from the mid-19th century and the etymological origin is unknown.