Smart Aleck & Alexander Campbell

Webster says a "smart Aleck" is "an obnoxiously conceited and self-assertive person with pretensions to smartness or cleverness." There are variants for "smart aleck" such as "smart alec." Some synonyms for it are: "smart ass," "smarty pants," "smart-alecky," "wise ass," "know it all," "wise guy." etc. They are often also what we call "show offs." Such people are also often sarcastic, demeaning, condescending, and "heady" and "highminded" as Paul said. (II Tim. 3:4) By "heady" he means "headstrong" (Vine). They are the ones who want to speak first and foremost, much like the apostle Peter when he was but a novice in the Christian faith. They put themselves forward, or promote themselves. They not only want to speak first but they also want the last word. They want to dominate and this includes being so in conversation. They want to hog the time and the attention. They are often images of what it means to have "hubris" (excessive pride and self confidence). They are also egotistical.

Origin of the Adjective

Said one source citing others (See here):

"The Evolution of “Smart Alec” Ten years after Hoag’s arrest, “smart alec” entered the American lexicon, initially as police slang for a criminal who was too smart for his own good, or whose cockiness led to his arrest. Its first known printed use, in an 1862 Nevada newspaper article, was used to refer to a know-it-all convict."

That con man criminal was Alexander Hoag. 

"A search of the New York Times archives yields dozens of results for the term in the late 1800s, most of which are used to describe criminals — and all of which capitalize “Aleck” (or Alec), a shorthand of “Alexander.”" (Ibid)

"By the early 20th century, the term seemed to morph outside of the police slang realm, and into widespread use — usually in reference to a “bumptious, conceited wise guy.”" (Ibid)

"Today, the American Heritage Dictionary and Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (both fairly reputable sources for etymologists) agree that “smart Alec” most likely derived from Alexander Hoag. While absolute verification of this isn’t possible, the similarities — matching time frames, criminal origins, and the capitalization of “Alec” — are compelling enough for most phonologists to sanction the tale. So, next time you call your friend (or child) a smart alec, keep in mind that you’re comparing him to a 19th century pimp."  

But, I wonder if it may have also been applied to Alexander Campbell, early 19th century reformer who is credited with starting a movement that gave birth to several new Christian sects or denominations such as those who call themselves "Church of Christ," "Christian Church," "Disciples of Christ," etc. This man, as anyone who has read his debates and his writings, published in his two periodicals, "The Christian Baptist" and "The Millennial Harbinger," will be able to see how he could be a smart Aleck. And, many of his followers even to this day have that same spirit.

Alexander Campbell?

"Yes, Alec is a shortened form of the name Alexander. It is also a Scottish form of the name Alex. The name Alec is a derivative of the name Alexander, which comes from the Greek name Alexandros. The name Alexandros comes from the Greek words alexein, which means "to defend" or "to protect", and aner, which means "man or warrior". The name Alec means "defender of the people" or "defending men". The name Alec is associated with strength, courage, and a commitment to serving others." (AI Overview from a Google search)

Alexander Campbell certainly lived up to the significance of his name! He too was Scottish and put himself forward as the defender of primitive or original Christianity. He too could be brash, caustic, and sarcastic.

Disciples Historical Society says of Campbell that he was caustic, saying "he was sometimes caustic in the Christian Baptist" (here).

I believe that Jesus, like other bible writers, or spokesmen for God, used sarcasm and I have written on this before. Some Christians find the idea repugnant that Jesus or any other holy man of God would be sarcastic. But, Jesus clearly was such at times. We also believe that Jesus might have come across to some as a smart aleck but they must remember that he really did "know it all." Also, the sarcasm of Jesus was infrequent and used to good effect. It was not his regular habit to be so.

This theory that Alexander Campbell may have been a "smart Aleck" and perhaps the source for the term came from my father many years ago. Father had many debates with the "Campbellites" as I have. 

As I have stated over the years, heretical sects have their "spirits" as the apostle John intimated in I John 4: 1-5. The Campbellites, like the Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc., all have their own group spirit, often originating with one or more of their founders. The Hardshell Baptists also have their own unique spirit and is one reason why they began to be called "Hardshells." It is because they have a cantankerous and stubborn spirit, being obstinate.