Looking for a word to sum up a character...

[gophergrrrl]

I'm introducing a character and I'm looking for that one special word that can sum up a sneaky, conniving, cowardly, pompous jerk of a guy. He's one of those guys who grins like a possum while obnoxiously chewing gum, 'counts coup' on the ladies (when he can convince one to sleep with him) and is all in all a lousy waste of human flesh.

Any suggestions?

[willfulone]

pig

bastard

dinklewinkie

asshole

createn (not sure on spelling)

toad

prig

misbegotten

spurious

mongrel

cur

[Cyia]

Lizard

Weasel

Ferret (or similar small vermin)

[Ciera_]

Ferret? I think somebody around here might take offense! We'll see if he shows up ;)

Slithery
Worm
Maggot
Cockroach
Boor
(It's spelled 'cretin', apparently)
um...
That's all I got.
Good luck!

[gophergrrrl]

Thanks for all the great suggestions guys!

[Chumplet]

nefarious?

[FTL]

Slippery snake in the grass.

[Noah Body]

Noah Body.

I mean--asshat!

[Kosh]

I'm introducing a character and I'm looking for that one special word that can sum up a sneaky, conniving, cowardly, pompous jerk of a guy. He's one of those guys who grins like a possum while obnoxiously chewing gum, 'counts coup' on the ladies (when he can convince one to sleep with him) and is all in all a lousy waste of human flesh.

Any suggestions?

That actually sounds like a decent character intro if you're looking for one.

[KikiteNeko]

Inlaws...

[Brindle Chase]

sounds kind of like a barfly?

[writen4u]

How about pretentious?

[nmstevens]

I think "weasel" is about the best of the bunch. Something like, "BOB, a grinning little weasel in his twenties, is lounging against the far wall."

NMS

[Hillgate]

'Smug' does it for me.

[stc]

I always liked the term "dickbird." Or maybe "shitbird."

[Shaun M]

smarmy
Pronunciation: \ˈsmär-mē\
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): smarm·i·er; smarm·i·est
Etymology: smarm to gush, slobber
Date: 1924
1 : revealing or marked by a smug, ingratiating, or false earnestness <a tone of smarmy self-satisfaction — New Yorker>
2 : of low sleazy taste or quality <smarmy eroticism>
— smarm·i·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb
— smarm·i·ness \-mē-nəs\ noun

[Joe270]

Dang it, Shaun beat me to it.

I second 'smarmy'.

Perhaps: Bob, a smarmy boor, stands near the bar. . .

[Marie Pacha]

sleaze

[Mumbleduck]

Unctious:
Function:
adjective
Etymology:
Middle English, from Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French unctueus, from Medieval Latin unctuosus, from Latin unctus act of anointing, from unguere to anoint
Date:
14th century

1 a: fatty , oily b: smooth and greasy in texture or appearance2: plastic <fine unctuous clay>
3: full of unction ; especially : revealing or marked by a smug, ingratiating, and false earnestness or spirituality
— unc·tu·ous·ly adverb
— unc·tu·ous·ness noun

I believe it's used in reference to either Professor Snape at one point in the Harry Potter books, or Professor Lockheart in the second book - If you've read the books and are familiar with characters, you'll see why I think it's the perfect word to use!

[stc]

Be sure to consider the entire "unctuous" family:

Synonyms: unctuous, fulsome, oily, oleaginous, smarmy
These adjectives mean insincerely, self-servingly, or smugly agreeable or earnest: an unctuous toady; gave the dictator a fulsome introduction; oily praise; oleaginous hypocrisy; smarmy self-importance.

See
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/unctuous

[Bluegate]

hmm.. salesman..used car salesman, if you want to get wordy. Of course you could go with the current generation's popular word choice, cheesd*ck. Don't know how that would hold up to posterity though. In respect to slimy losers everywhere they come in a wide variety of styles so I think it would help to understand what kind of sleazball he is as his character progresses. There are just so many ways to be a miserable waste of human flesh.

[Bluegate]

Did anybody get despicable yet?

[Annushka]

There's a Russian word that is perfect for this spelled хмырь and pronounced "khmyr," basically meaning any repulsive "arrogant sleazeball." This obviously isn't helpful, but I just thought it was interesting that one word in another language can sum up an idea so perfectly while it takes several words to convey the same idea in English. :)

[ricetalks]

Egotistical slimeball.

[LaurieD]

He's one of those guys who grins like a possum while obnoxiously chewing gum, 'counts coup' on the ladies (when he can convince one to sleep with him) and is all in all a lousy waste of human flesh


That actually sounds like a decent character intro if you're looking for one.

I agree. This is perfect. I have a picture in my head of this guy with this description.

[dclary]

nerf-herder.

[Bluegate]

Egotistical slimeball.
Hey, I like this one. It has the lovely sound of contempt.