Here’s a word for you: supercilious.

It’s not a super silly word nor is it super serious, but it IS cilious, super cilious.

In all ciliousness, “supercilious” is defined as such:

While Merriam-Webster is my go-to for definitions, I’m looking for something more robust with this one. Dictionary.com came through with: “haughtily disdainful or contemptuous, as a person or a facial expression”. I love the combination of “haughty” and “as a person or a facial expression”; it allows “supercilious” to be appropriately and enjoyably utilized in describing a top-notch a-hole. This becomes even better seeing “supercilious” exists in its adverb form as “superciliously” and as a noun in “superciliousness”. What deliciously fun words. Let’s put it to work in a brief work of fiction.

Archibald briefly paused outside the establishment to give his reflection in the window a look before entering. Everything looked to be in order. His hair was coifed, tie was straight and crisp, and the suitcoat outlined his frame nicely as he checked the buttons. Satisfied with his appearance, Archibald, or Archie as only his nearest and dearest friends and family called him, entered The Anvil & Hammer.

The Anvil & Hammer was a members-only club that catered to most of the city’s power brokers and individuals of influence. While most members were only invited to join after being sponsored by an existing member, there were those whose star rose so quickly that they were invited to join, lest The Anvil & Hammer missed out on acquiring another pillar of society. The latter is how Archibald came to be a member. He had played his cards perfectly in backing the correct political powerhouses of the city and state, and that placed Archibald in the envious position of being the one individual who tied them all together. While he did not hold office himself, Archibald’s ability to get in the ear and pull the strings of mayors, congress members, and the governor made him a valuable friend. Since The Anvil & Hammer built its reputation on a foundation of providing access to power and influence, Archibald now had his seat at the table.

Archibald was immediately greeted by the club’s concierge who confirmed his usual spot was ready and waiting. As they moved from the lobby to the club’s dimly lit, plush interior, Archibald had to wait several seconds for his eyes to adjust. In that moment, a loud voice called out.

“Archie! You old son-of-a-gun! I guess they let anyone in here these days!”

Archibald cringed at the uncouth greeting and did not try to hide the supercilious expression on his face as he turned to face the source and responded, “Yes, I guess they do.”

Archie sounds like a swell guy who takes himself too seriously and views most of his world with a high degree of superciliousness. Don’t be like Archie. Don’t have a low opinion of or contempt for others. It is unfortunate that such an expressive word must have such a negative meaning. There definitely is a need for words in the world to provide that very meaning to describe those very people, but that does not change that “supercilious” is wasted on the negative.