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乙に澄ます (おつにすます) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-su)
put on airs ; act affectedly ; assume a superior attitude
Describes someone acting in a refined, aloof, or self-important way, often with a hint of pretentiousness. The phrase carries a slightly critical or mocking tone.
じゃ
ない
か
。
You don't have to act so superior, do you?
Kanji 乙 the latter, duplicate, strange 澄 lucidity, be clear, clear Similar words 気き 取ど る 気取る means to put on airs or act stylishly, but 乙に澄ます emphasizes a serene, aloof, or prudish demeanor, often with a more critical nuance.
すます すます alone can mean to act indifferent or prim; 乙に澄ます adds the nuance of being affectedly refined or superior.
Etymology The phrase combines 乙 (おつ, originally meaning 'second' or 'refined, stylish') with 澄ます (to clear, to put on a prim face). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it likely developed from the idea of adopting a cool, refined, or detached attitude.
