Asmirk is an affected, ingratiatingsmile[1] evoking insolence, scorn, or offensive smugness.
Human ethology categorizes smirks as a kind ofdeformed-compliment signal.[2]
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," theEarl of Chesterfield once wrote in a letter to his son.[4]
German-born psychiatristFritz 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 describesMr Wickham as making smirking love to all his new in-laws in the novelPride and Prejudice.[6]
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