smugly

Smugly is an adverb used to describe an action or behavior that is characterized by excessive pride or self-satisfaction, often in a way that is annoying or condescending to others. It conveys a sense of smugness, which is a feeling of being overly pleased with oneself or one's achievements, accomplishments, or perceived superiority.

When someone acts smugly, they might display a superior smile, make condescending remarks, or exhibit body language that suggests they believe they are better than those around them. This behavior is typically not well-received, as it can be perceived as arrogance, vanity, or a lack of humility. The word "smugly" implies that this self-satisfaction is being expressed in a noticeable and often irritating manner.

The origin of the word can be traced back to the Middle English word "smug," which meant neat or trim. Over time, the meaning evolved to encompass the modern sense of self-satisfaction. While smugness itself is an internal feeling, acting smugly refers to the external manifestation of that feeling. It is often used in contexts where a person has succeeded at something and is displaying their triumph in an ostentatious or irritating way. For example, a student might smugly point out their high grade to a classmate who received a lower score, or an athlete might smugly accept praise after a victory.