Meaning & use

street-smart

adjective·Everyday

Last updated

Having the practical knowledge and skills needed to cope with difficult or dangerous situations, especially in an urban environment.

See it in a sentence

Growing up in the city made her street-smart from a young age.

He may not have a degree, but he's street-smart enough to spot a scam instantly.

A note on using this word

Often contrasted with 'book-smart,' which refers to academic rather than practical intelligence.

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