What it means
A teasing label for the mate who can’t resist being right, correcting everyone’s grammar, dates, or trivia like it’s a pub quiz. It’s usually more eye-roll than insult, though you can say it proper sharp if they’re getting smug. Classic schoolyard and office banter, best delivered with a sigh and a cup of tea.
Usage examples
"I said the Tube’s on strike and you’re like, technically it’s industrial action. Alright, clever clogs, give it a rest and let me be late in peace."
"Alright, clever clogs, if you know so much about wiring, you fix the plug and I’ll hold the tea."
"She’s a proper clever clogs, finished the crossword before the kettle had even boiled and wouldn’t stop going on about it."
"Nice one, clever clogs, now everyone knows the answer and the quiz is dead boring."
"Oh here he comes, clever clogs with a fact check nobody asked for."
Got something to say?
Edit, fix or tell us something. We review it and, if it is true, you will see it applied with your name on it.
Where it comes from
It’s a proper old British taunt that’s been around since the early 1900s. The pattern matches jokey digs like clever dick and clever boots, where clever gets stuck onto an ordinary noun to take the shine off it. With clogs being plain work shoes, the whole thing lands with a neat little sneer.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
Your vote counts
Is this real street talk or have we lost the plot? Cast your vote.
