Smirk

For the financial derivatives markets term, see volatility smile.

A smirk is an affected, ingratiating smile^[1] evoking insolence, scorn, or offensive smugness.

A man subtly smirking

Human ethology categorizes smirks as a kind of deformed-compliment signal.^[2]

Historical examples

George Puttenham in the 16th century described what he called "a mock with a scornful countenance as in some smiling sort looking aside".^[3]

"A constant smirk upon the face, and a whiffling activity of the body, are strong indications of futility," the Earl of Chesterfield once wrote in a letter to his son.^[4]

German-born psychiatrist Fritz Perls considered the most difficult patients to be the clever know-it-alls, recognisable by what he called "a specific kind of smile, a kind of smirk, a smirk that says, 'Oh, you're an idiot! I know better. I can outwit you and control you'".^[5]

Mr Bennet describes Mr Wickham as making smirking love to all his new in-laws in the novel Pride and Prejudice.^[6]

See also

• Schadenfreude
• Sneer