self-satisfied grin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "self-satisfied grin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a smile that conveys a sense of smugness or contentment with oneself, often in a way that may be perceived as annoying or arrogant. Example: "After winning the debate, she wore a self-satisfied grin that made her opponents roll their eyes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

He breaks into a self-satisfied grin.

Independent

"Who has?" he'd reply with a self-satisfied grin.

The Economist

That it was a punchline seemed evident from Trump's trademark self-satisfied grin, but this was no joke.

The Guardian - Opinion

Capture a moment that you enjoyed as you watched a student high-five a friend or solve a tough math problem with a self-satisfied grin.

University of California, Berkeley

"You gotta admit, the Grim Reaper sickle is a good effect," Terry said, flashing a self-satisfied grin in his blue suit.

The Washington Post

Nicholas Riccardi, a journalist for the Los Angeles Times, said the 22-year-old "continued to flash an uncanny, self-satisfied grin throughout the otherwise routine nine-minute arraignment".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The story of a sarcastic if affable guy, with a self-satisfied grin and immaculate sideburns, who wins over the guys and gals with his smart-aleck comebacks and learns a few life lessons along the way, possibly after finding true love or being barraged with dodgeballs.

The New York Times

When cars honked at me and my friends, we would strut around with irrepressibly self-satisfied grins.

The New York Times

That self-satisfied smile is the only giveaway.

The New York Times

''It was a blackmail note.'' She crossed her arms with a self-satisfied smile.

The New York Times - Magazine

Chubby-cheeked, bespectacled and often sporting a self-satisfied, feline grin, the 67-year-old Mr Chidambaram is a veteran of the tortuous politics of the Congress party, which heads a battered governing coalition.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "self-satisfied grin" to subtly convey a character's arrogance or overconfidence, without explicitly stating it. This adds depth to your writing by allowing the reader to infer the character's feelings through their expression.

Common error

Avoid using "self-satisfied grin" too frequently when describing a character. Overusing it can make the description monotonous and predictable. Vary your descriptions by using different expressions or focusing on other aspects of their body language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "self-satisfied grin" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. The adjective "self-satisfied" modifies the noun "grin", indicating the type of smile being displayed. As Ludwig confirms, it is used to describe a smile expressing smugness or contentment with oneself.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "self-satisfied grin" is a grammatically sound noun phrase that describes a smile expressing smugness or contentment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally used to portray a negative or critical attitude. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources. While not overly formal, writers should consider the context and audience when using it. Alternatives like "smug smile" or "complacent expression" can be used to vary the description and fit the tone of your writing. While acceptable, overusing this phrase could lead to repetitive and predictable descriptions, so be mindful of word choice and descriptive variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smug smile

Focuses on the smile as the primary indicator of smugness, simplifying the original phrase.

complacent smile

Highlights the feeling of uncritical satisfaction behind the smile.

smirk of self-approval

Emphasizes the internal validation that leads to the expression.

grin of superiority

Directly conveys a sense of being better than others.

triumphant grin

Suggests a victory or achievement that fuels the self-satisfaction.

arrogant smile

Highlights the haughty and overbearing nature of the expression.

smug look

Shifts the focus from the grin to the overall facial expression.

patronizing smile

Indicates a condescending and superior attitude.

self-contented smile

Highlights the personal satisfaction and happiness reflected in the smile.

conceited expression

Focuses on the overall facial expression indicating excessive pride.

FAQs

How can I describe a smile that shows smugness without using "self-satisfied grin"?

You can use alternatives like "smug smile", "complacent smile", or "smirk of self-approval" to convey a similar meaning.

What is the difference between a "self-satisfied grin" and a "triumphant grin"?

A "self-satisfied grin" suggests a general sense of smugness or contentment, while a "triumphant grin" specifically implies a feeling of joy and pride after a victory or success.

Is "self-satisfied grin" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "self-satisfied grin" might be perceived as somewhat informal or colloquial. In formal writing, consider using a more neutral or descriptive phrase like "smug expression" or "complacent demeanor".

Can "self-satisfied grin" be used to describe positive emotions?

Typically, "self-satisfied grin" has negative connotations, implying arrogance or smugness. It's generally not used to describe genuinely positive or innocent emotions. A regular smile or happy expression would be more suitable for positive contexts.