1 B2 idiomatic informal
To speak rudely or sarcastically to someone, especially a person in authority.
"Don't you dare smart off to your grandmother like that."
inseparable
smart off
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To make a rude, sarcastic, or disrespectful remark, especially to someone in authority.
In plain English
To say something rude and clever to someone, especially when you shouldn't.
What does "smart off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To make a quick, clever, and cheeky remark in a situation where it is inappropriate.
"He smarted off during the police stop and ended up making things much worse for himself."
inseparable
Usage tip
Primarily American English, especially in the South and Midwest. Commonly used by parents or teachers reprimanding children or students. Often heard in the pattern 'don't smart off to me'.
Words that pair with "smart off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
teacher parent boss officer elder
How to conjugate "smart off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
smart off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
smarts off
he/she/it
Past simple
smarted off
yesterday
Past participle
smarted off
have + pp
-ing form
smarting off
continuous
Hear "smart off" in the wild
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