#4: Wisenheimer
The term ‘weisenheimer’ was used to describe a person perceived as a smart aleck or know-it-all. Originating in the early 20th century, particularly in American English slang, the term combines ‘wise’, implying cleverness or intelligence, with ‘heimer’, possibly derived from the German surname ‘Heimer’, to create a playful yet disparaging descriptor for someone who flaunted their intellect in a presumptuous or obnoxious manner.
The term ‘weisenheimer’ captured the cultural attitude towards individuals who exhibited arrogance or superiority, reflecting the social dynamics and linguistic creativity prevalent in American society during that time. Some things never change, like the fact no one likes a wisenheimer.