clever dick: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Colloquial
Quick answer
What does “clever dick” mean?
A person who is annoyingly or ostentatiously clever, especially one who shows off their knowledge.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is annoyingly or ostentatiously clever, especially one who shows off their knowledge.
A derogatory term for someone perceived as intellectually arrogant, pedantic, or overly eager to demonstrate their intelligence, often in a way that irritates others.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common and established in British English. In American English, 'smart aleck' or 'know-it-all' are more frequent equivalents.
Connotations
In British English, it carries a tone of mild, often humorous, exasperation. In American English, if used, it may sound like a Britishism and can seem slightly quaint or old-fashioned.
Frequency
Common in UK informal speech; rare in US speech, where it is understood but not native.
Grammar
How to Use “clever dick” in a Sentence
He's a [clever dick].Don't be such a [clever dick].Oh, listen to the [clever dick]!Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clever dick” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He's got a real clever-dick attitude.
- I'm tired of his clever-dick remarks.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Avoid in formal settings. Might be used jokingly among colleagues to chide someone for over-complicating a simple solution.
Academic
Highly inappropriate in formal academic discourse. Could be used informally among students.
Everyday
Used in casual conversation among friends or family to tease someone for being pedantic or showing off knowledge.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “clever dick”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “clever dick”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clever dick”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it as a compliment (it is always critical).
- Capitalising 'dick' (it is not a proper name).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is pejorative and mildly insulting, but its tone is often more humorous and exasperated than deeply offensive. However, it should be used with caution as it can cause offence.
Yes, the term is not gender-specific in modern usage, though its origin is male. A woman can be described as 'a clever dick' or 'such a clever dick'.
'Clever dick' is primarily British, while 'smart aleck' is primarily American. 'Smart aleck' can sometimes imply cheekiness or impertinence more than pure intellectual showing-off.
Yes, the plural is 'clever dicks', e.g., 'The pub quiz was full of clever dicks.'
A person who is annoyingly or ostentatiously clever, especially one who shows off their knowledge.
Clever dick is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Clever dick: in British English it is pronounced /ˌklev.ə ˈdɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌklev.ɚ ˈdɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Clever Dick attitude”
- “playing the clever dick”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a person named Dick who always has a clever answer, making everyone roll their eyes. Clever + Dick = the annoying know-it-all.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTELLIGENCE IS A WEAPON FOR SOCIAL DOMINANCE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'clever dick' be MOST appropriate?