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wisenheimer

noun
wi·​sen·​hei·​mer | \ ˈwÄ«-zᵊn-ËŒhÄ«-mÉ™r How to pronounce wisenheimer (audio) \
variants: or less commonly

Definition of wisenheimer

: smart aleck
Synonyms Wisenheimer and More "Wise" Words Example Sentences Learn More about wisenheimer

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Wisenheimer and More "Wise" Words

We wouldn't joke around about the origin of this witty word. In the early 20th century, someone had the smart idea to combine the adjective wise (one sense of which means "insolent, smart-alecky, or fresh") with -enheimer, playing on the pattern of family names such as Oppenheimer and Guggenheimer. Of course, wisenheimer isn't the only "wise-" word for someone who jokes around. There's also wiseacre, wisecracker, and wise guy. All of these jokesters are fond of making wisecracks.

Examples of wisenheimer in a Sentence

it seems like every time we go to the movies, sitting behind us is some wisenheimer making snide cracks

First Known Use of wisenheimer

1904, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for wisenheimer

wise entry 1 + -enheimer (as in family names such as Guggenheimer, Oppenheimer)

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More from Merriam-Webster on wisenheimer

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with wisenheimer

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for wisenheimer

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