I had to think through that one, Paul.
So:
'Smug' ....a much underused adjective.
Add the suffix 'ness' gives 'smugness', and the adjective changes to a noun.
Add a second suffix ....'less' to the new noun 'smugness' gives the adjective 'smugnessless' meaning without the quality described by the noun.
Mmmmmm.......
Whereas
'smuglessness':
Smug + less = smugless
so gives adjective >>>> adjective without the quality 'smug'.
Smugless + ness = smuglessness
so gives adjective >>>>> noun.
Now I see why you chose that particular suffix order in your post, Paul. You clearly wished to congratulate Bill on his heroic efforts to avoid being smug.
.
.
.
.
.
No I don't.
Colin

