Definition

A person who smiles in a way that shows they are pleased with themselves, often in a way that annoys others.

Example

He was such a smirker that everyone found his smile irritating.

Conversation

Did you see that guy at the party last night?

Yeah, he was such a smirker with that smug smile.

I know, right? It was like he enjoyed showing off.

Exactly! It made me want to roll my eyes every time he laughed.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Smirker → The word is formed from 'smirk' (from Middle English *smerke*, meaning to smile in a smug or self-satisfied way) and '-er' (meaning a person who). A smirker is a person who smiles in a smug or self-satisfied manner.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who smiles in a smug way — that's what a smirker does, as the root 'smirk' refers to that kind of smile.

Visually Confused Words