we say it without a full understanding of what it means If I am a smart alick /ellick because moma called me one then what am I moma doesn't know or does she I'll ask her if I can find a descent answer
2006-08-12 07:40:50 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
According to G.L. Cohen, author of Studies in Slang Part 1 (1985), the phrase smart alec(k) arose from the exploits of one 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. See www.wordwizard.com/ askww/foundaskww.asp?num=342.
2006-08-12 07:58:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Alec" is just a common name that begins with the same letter as "a**".
Calling someone a smart-alec is just the same as calling them a smart-a**. It's like saying "darn" instead of "d*mn", or "shoot" instead of "sh*t", or "fudge" instead of that OTHER f-word.
The technical term is "euphemism" (a nice way of saying something unpleasant).
2006-08-12 07:48:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
its smart alex as in alexander dont know wher it comes from though
2006-08-12 09:30:56 · answer #3 · answered by irenemason69 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's smart aleck and you should be able to find it on an etymology website (word origins)
2006-08-12 07:47:35 · answer #4 · answered by Skeff 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋