Smirk

It is dictionary day again and as usual my finger fell on what I consider a doozy of a word.
“Smirk” – “Put on or wear an affected, conceited or silly smile.” (Australian Concise Oxford Dictionary).  Mirriam Webster says it is a smile that is smug, condescending or displaying a self-satisfied attitude. Wikipedia introduces the thought of insolence, scorn and offensive smugness.
I do like the introduction of offensive as I have never considered a smirk as a positive thing.  One of the best examples I have seen was how a German born psychiatrist described some of his most difficult patients.  He said they could be recognised by “a specific kind of smile, a kind of smirk, a smirk that says, 'Oh, you're an idiot! I know better. I can outwit you and control you'”
To me a smirk is often experienced when someone is unwilling to pass on information needed - in the mistaken belief that the smirker is the only one who can do the job.  It often involves withholding to gain or maintain an advantage.  I must admit I have not been good at that.  I tend to pass on what I know.  When it comes to sport that can be to my disadvantage.  I tended to give away playing secrets that could be, and were, used against me.
I do like that the word “scorn” is mentioned.  To me scorn or smirk indicates a lack of respect.  Respect may have been afforded up until weakness or fallibility is displayed.  I do have a real problem with that one as I know everyone has a point of vulnerability or weakness.  To me imagining that I may be “better” than another it is not something to gloat about.  It is a given that there are people “better” than me and “worse” than me.
Besides I am who I am only because I have made the most of opportunities that have come my way.  I cannot take credit for being born who I am.  I could have been born an ant.
Smirking is not something I am fond of doing or seeing.  As far as I am concerned, we are all in this together.  Rather than withhold I am way more inclined to share.  After all I may need what others have, and they may need what I have.  No one of us has got it all together but all of us together have what is needed – as long as all share.