Smartass

A smartass (sometimes spelled smart-ass) is a derogatory term for a person perceived as being irritatingly or pretentiously intelligent, learned, or clever. The term implies that the individual is using their intelligence or wit in an obnoxious, condescending, or sarcastic manner, often to show off or to belittle others.

The behavior associated with a smartass typically involves:

• Condescension: Talking down to others or acting as if they are superior.
• Sarcasm: Using irony and mockery to express contempt.
• Pointed Remarks: Making comments designed to highlight perceived flaws or mistakes in others.
• Intellectual Posturing: Exhibiting knowledge or intelligence in a showy or boastful way.
• Contradictory Argumentation: Disagreeing or arguing for the sake of arguing, rather than seeking truth or understanding.

The term smartass is generally considered offensive and is often used in informal settings to express frustration or annoyance with someone's behavior. While intelligence itself is not inherently negative, the smartass designation is applied when intelligence is perceived as being used for negative social purposes.