smart off
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To say something rude and clever to someone, especially when you shouldn't.
Meanings
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."
Grammar: inseparable
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."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
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'.
Commonly used with
teacher parent boss officer elder
Forms
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
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