smart off
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To show disrespect verbally; to smartmouth.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
He despised being away from the rest of the student body and would occasionally act out in defiance by smarting off or by being uncooperative.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “smart off” mean?
To show disrespect verbally; to smartmouth.
Is “smart off” formal or informal?
smart off is generally slang.