smacks of hypocrisy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'smacks of hypocrisy' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or person who makes a claim or expresses an opinion that contradicts their own behavior. For example, "His insistence on volunteer work for others while never giving his own time smacks of hypocrisy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

It smacks of hypocrisy".

The Guardian

That smacks of hypocrisy.

The Guardian - Opinion

This smacks of hypocrisy on a pretty big scale".

The New Yorker

A no-curse denunciation also smacks of hypocrisy.

The New York Times - Sports

Indeed, much of the litigation currently in train against the tobacco companies smacks of hypocrisy.

The Economist

Paterson of the BC Civil Liberties Association says the deal smacks of hypocrisy.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

To many people, the whole business smacked of hypocrisy.

The New York Times - Books

"Reports of nepotism and lavish spending smack of hypocrisy.

The New York Times

And for some investors and employees, that apparent reversal smacked of hypocrisy.

The New York Times

Does this smack of hypocrisy?" What would you say to that?

The Guardian

On the other hand, for Levi Strauss to waive its ethical standards in its overseas dealings would smack of hypocrisy and risk alienating U.S. workers already fearful of losing their jobs to cheap foreign labor.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smacks of hypocrisy" when you want to express that something appears hypocritical on the surface, even if the intention is not necessarily to deceive. It suggests a superficial assessment or initial impression.

Common error

While "smacks of hypocrisy" is widely understood, consider using more nuanced or formal language like "is inconsistent with", "betrays a double standard", or "is a manifestation of hypocrisy" in academic or professional writing to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smacks of hypocrisy" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It qualifies a subject by ascribing a certain quality or characteristic to it, indicating that something gives the impression of being hypocritical. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this idiom.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Opinion

16%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smacks of hypocrisy" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations or actions that appear inconsistent with stated beliefs or principles. Analysis of numerous examples by Ludwig AI reveals its frequent use in news, opinion pieces, and academic contexts. The phrase serves to express disapproval or skepticism towards perceived hypocrisy. Related phrases include "reeks of hypocrisy" and "stinks of hypocrisy", offering similar but slightly varied connotations. While widely understood, it's important to consider the formality of the context and choose more nuanced alternatives for sophisticated writing. Overall, "smacks of hypocrisy" is a valuable tool for expressing critical perspectives on perceived inconsistencies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reeks of hypocrisy

Emphasizes a strong, unpleasant sense of hypocrisy, suggesting it is very obvious.

stinks of hypocrisy

Similar to "reeks", highlighting the offensiveness of the perceived hypocrisy.

tinged with hypocrisy

Suggests a slight presence of hypocrisy, less intense than the original phrase.

redolent of hypocrisy

A more formal and literary way to convey the sense of hypocrisy.

betrays hypocrisy

Focuses on the action of revealing hypocrisy.

exudes hypocrisy

Implies that hypocrisy is emanating or radiating from someone or something.

is hypocritical

A more direct and assertive statement of hypocrisy.

a display of hypocrisy

Focuses on the act or event that demonstrates hypocrisy.

hypocritical behavior

Emphasizes the conduct or actions as being hypocritical.

double standard

Highlights the application of different sets of principles for similar situations.

FAQs

How can I use "smacks of hypocrisy" in a sentence?

You can use "smacks of hypocrisy" to describe a situation, statement, or action that appears hypocritical. For example, "His condemnation of corporate greed while benefiting from tax loopholes "smacks of hypocrisy"."

What phrases are similar to "smacks of hypocrisy"?

Similar phrases include "reeks of hypocrisy", "stinks of hypocrisy", or "tinged with hypocrisy". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "smacks of hypocrisy"?

It's appropriate to use "smacks of hypocrisy" when you want to express that something gives the impression of hypocrisy, even if it might not be intentional or fully proven. It is suitable for expressing opinions or initial impressions.

What's the difference between "smacks of hypocrisy" and simply saying something is "hypocritical"?

"Smacks of hypocrisy" suggests a less direct or conclusive assertion than stating something is simply "hypocritical". The former indicates an appearance or impression of hypocrisy, whereas the latter is a more definitive judgment.