nounnoun

der Klugscheißer, –

know-it-all · smart ass · smarty-pants

The German word "Klugscheißer" is a colloquial noun used to describe someone who acts overly smart or behaves like a know-it-all, often offering unsolicited advice or corrections in an arrogant or irritating manner. It consists of the word "klug" which means "smart" or "wise," and "Scheißer," which derives from the verb "scheißen" meaning "to defecate". Therefore, "Scheißer" is an informal, strongly biased word that carries a negative connotation. Lit. its meaning is smartass or someone full of the "sh..." of wisdom.

Words with similar meaning could be "Besserwisser" (know-it-all) or "Rechthaber" (someone who always wants to be right). Although these typically do not carry the vulgar tone embedded in "Klugscheißer."

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Examples

Er wird oft als Klugscheißer bezeichnet.noun

He is often referred to as a know-it-all.

Ein Klugscheißer nervt manchmal seine Freunde mit Besserwisserei.noun

A smart ass sometimes annoys his friends with know-it-all behavior.

Der Klugscheißer korrigiert wieder alle.noun

The smarty-pants corrects everybody again

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