Who is Alick and why is he so smart?

Question

Dont be a smart alick!

Answer 1

he is a friend of tom d**k and harry and happy larry

Answer 2

shut up 2 silly t**t

Answer 3

smart Alec is clever Trevor's best friend

Answer 4

Hi there insane_mad_maniak, A smart Alec is regarded as a somewhat conceited person. The saying goes back to the 19th century and the Alec is said to be short for Alexander, but why the name Alexander features at all I cannot find.

However, a possible explanation was offered by Dom Pleasance in the Q&A section of The Times on 9th May 2002.

"The phrase "Smart Alec", meaning a conceited know-it-all, dates back to mid-19th century America. Regarding the identity of "Alec", most American dictionaries point to Alec Hoag, a notorious pimp and thief who operated in New York in the 1840s. He operated a trick called "The Panel Game" where he would sneak in via gaps in the walls and steal the valuables of his sleeping or unwary clients. The reputation he generated for not getting caught earned him the nickname Smart Alec.