street smart
2019.01.26
Meaning:
We sometimes explain different kinds of ‘smarts’ (that is, intelligence) by using the expressions ‘street smart’ and ‘book smart’. A ‘book-smart’ person (or a person who ‘has book smarts’) has a lot of general knowledge. A ‘street-smart’ person (or a person who ‘has street smarts’) can survive or do well in dangerous situations in the city. Street smart people know how to avoid getting robbed, hurt or taken advantage of.
Example:
A: I feel so stupid! I can’t understand this book!
B: You’re not stupid. You’re street smart. Remember when I almost bought that used car, but you made me check the engine first?
A: Yeah, that guy was over-charging you. I could see he was lying.
B: Exactly! You can read people’s faces, and you know how to survive. You’re street smart!
Talking Point(s):
Are you street smart or book smart? Or both?