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@PEI

Hard to say, please come in

shaomiao(少淼)
In many cases, "smarty-pants" is a sarcasm. It is used to refer to the people who think they are very smart, but only as a result of their own over-confidence. It is mild, not very pejorative.

But we need to put it in its context to see if it is really a sarcasm or a compliment. It depends on the tone, and who said it. "You bastard!" may be a compliments from an old friend; while it may be very offensive from a stranger.

I would suggest when you are not sure, confront the person with a neutral question. For example:

A: You are such a smarty-pants!
B: Seriouly, what do you think about my idea?
A: I think it is a great idea!

A: You are such a smarty-pants!
B: Seriouly, what do you think about my idea?
A: I think we can come up something better.

Again, observe the tone and other non-verbal languages, and you will know what the person really means.

Hope it helps.
(#1185207@0)
Last Updated: 2003-5-12
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Replies, comments and Discussions:

  • 工作学习 / English / Idioms, words and catch phrases (IV) -shaomiao(少淼); 2003-5-11 {1288} (#1183304@0)
    • Sometimes I have to work with teenage boys. When they gather together they often talk about games and there are a lot of terms and names that I totally know nothing about. -erinca(erinca); 2003-5-12 (#1184418@0)
    • Could you shed some light on this: -rochester(Cory J); 2003-5-12 {187} (#1184743@0)
      "Smarty Pants": what does it mean? Is it pejorative?
      It's really a pain when you are not sure if people want to be friendly with you or want to make fun of you...
      Thanks in advance.
      • Hard to say, please come in -shaomiao(少淼); 2003-5-12 {897} (#1185207@0)
        In many cases, "smarty-pants" is a sarcasm. It is used to refer to the people who think they are very smart, but only as a result of their own over-confidence. It is mild, not very pejorative.

        But we need to put it in its context to see if it is really a sarcasm or a compliment. It depends on the tone, and who said it. "You bastard!" may be a compliments from an old friend; while it may be very offensive from a stranger.

        I would suggest when you are not sure, confront the person with a neutral question. For example:

        A: You are such a smarty-pants!
        B: Seriouly, what do you think about my idea?
        A: I think it is a great idea!

        A: You are such a smarty-pants!
        B: Seriouly, what do you think about my idea?
        A: I think we can come up something better.

        Again, observe the tone and other non-verbal languages, and you will know what the person really means.

        Hope it helps.
        • Thanks for your very helpful explaination. How could you know all these? Would you mind sharing some of your learning experiences? -patpat(胡侃而已); 2003-5-13 (#1186353@0)
          • 多谢鼓励。 -shaomiao(少淼); 2003-5-13 {331} (#1187107@0)
            学习方法因人而异，咱们可以互相切磋。其实我并无心得，也差距很大。总的感觉是要多听，多读；然后多说，多写。用英文的时候，尽量不用汉语思考；用中文的时候，尽量避免英文思考。很多移过来的小孩学英文好，大概就是中文干扰少的缘故。词汇量虽小，表达意思也总能将就， 比把中文想法翻译成英文更好。用的多了，词汇量自然也就扩展了。点滴积累吧。见笑。

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