2006-07-04 22:09:58 · 4 answers · asked by n o 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
A person regarded as obnoxiously self-assertive. An impudent person.
According to G.L. Cohen, author of Studies in Slang Part 1 (1985), the phrase smart alec(k) arose from the exploits of Alec Hoag. A celebrated pimp, thief, and confidence man operating out of New York City in the 1840's, Mr. Hoag, along with his wife Melinda and an accomplice known as "French Jack," operated a con called the "panel game," a method by which prostitutes and their pimps robbed foolish customers.
2006-07-04 22:26:29 · answer #1 · answered by Bog woppit. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This guy named Aleck was really kind of dumb but everybody was sarcastic so they called him smart-aleck.
2006-07-05 05:14:13 · answer #2 · answered by Riddle Me This 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's a nice way of saying smartass
2006-07-05 05:12:20 · answer #3 · answered by akroncke71 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think it is from one history of speaking .
2006-07-05 05:20:36 · answer #4 · answered by travellinghotty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋