Definition

Noun: * Shrewd ability to survive in a dangerous urban environment: The practical knowledge, awareness, and resourcefulness needed to deal successfully with the challenges, dangers, and social situations commonly found in cities.

Usage

"Street smarts" is an uncountable noun. It refers to practical intelligence gained from life experience, especially in urban settings, as opposed to formal education ("book smarts"). It implies an intuitive understanding of how to stay safe, navigate social dynamics, and handle unexpected problems in public spaces.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Growing up in that neighborhood gave him the street smarts he needed to avoid trouble.
  • She has a lot of street smarts; she can talk her way out of almost any situation.
  • Book knowledge is important, but you also need street smarts to succeed in this city.

Advanced Usage

• "To have street smarts": To possess this type of practical, situational intelligence.
  • The best tour guides in the old quarter have street smarts that you can't learn from a map.
• "To develop street smarts": To acquire this ability through experience.
  • Living abroad for a year really helped her develop street smarts.

Variants and Related Words

• Streetwise (adjective): Having or showing street smarts.
  • He's a streetwise journalist who knows how to get information.
• Savvy (noun/adj): Shrewdness and practical knowledge, especially in a particular field. (A broader, more formal synonym).
  • She has a lot of political savvy.

Synonyms

• Shrewdness: Sharp powers of judgment; astuteness.
• Worldliness: Experience and knowledge of practical matters and human affairs.
• Resourcefulness: The ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

Related Phrases

• "Common sense": Sound practical judgment concerning everyday matters. (This is a more general, less urban-specific term).
  • It's just common sense to look both ways before crossing.
• "Keen eye": An ability to notice things quickly. (This can be a component of street smarts).
  • A good detective needs a keen eye for detail.

Noun

1. a shrewd ability to survive in a dangerous urban environment