Etymology Map
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Wiseacre

2 stages from Middle Dutch to English.

Today it means a person who acts as though they know everything

Where does the word "wiseacre" come from? It comes from Middle Dutch wijsseggher, adopted directly into English (1590s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
wijsseggher
Middle Dutch · medieval
"soothsayer"
a soothsayer, literally 'wise-sayer'
2
Stage 2 of 2
wiseacre
English · 1590s
"a know-it-all"
reshaped by folk etymology as if from 'acre', and used sarcastically
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Read the full story

Wiseacre’s story begins in Middle Dutch: wijsseggher meant “soothsayer.” A soothsayer, literally 'wise-sayer'. It reached English by 1590s as wiseacre. Reshaped by folk etymology as if from 'acre', and used sarcastically. Today, wiseacre means a person who acts as though they know everything.