clever-clever

English

Etymology

Reduplication of clever.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈklɛvəklɛvə/
• IPA^(key): /klɛvəˈklɛvə/

Adjective

clever-clever (comparative more clever-clever, superlative most clever-clever)

1. (derogatory) Showily or ostentatiously clever.
   • 1994, Christmas Humphreys, Zen Comes West, Routledge, page 107:

     The difference between clever-clever talk and the appearance of a real awareness is desperately fine, and I do not guarantee to be right in my diagnosis every time.

   • 2007 July 15, Sarah Hughes, The Observer:

     You used to know where you stood with musicals. There were the old traditionals with scores by Rodgers and Hammerstein; the clever-clever shows with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; and the bombastic 'supermusicals', with sub-operatic numbers.

   • 2013 November 14, Scott Murray, The Guardian:

     England have tried a couple of clever-clever short corners tonight, and both of them have ended in total farce. England have many strengths, but clever-clever is not an option in their back pocket.