What does smarts mean?
Smarts is an informal noun meaning quick intelligence, common sense, or practical savvy. Unlike the more formal word 'intelligence,' it often focuses on the ability to judge situations intelligently and respond effectively to real-world problems. People may speak of having 'street smarts,' which suggests awareness born from experience, or 'book smarts,' meaning knowledge and cleverness gained through education. The word is commonly used in conversational English and can imply that someone is perceptive, resourceful, or able to see through a trick. It is also used when discussing mental ability more generally, as in saying that someone lacks the smarts to understand an issue. Although the phrase may sound dismissive in some contexts, it is often complimentary when it describes practical awareness, adaptability, or sound judgment.
nounInformal intelligence or quick thinking, especially the kind of practical awareness or common sense needed to handle a situation effectively. It can also refer to a person's ability to learn quickly and understand things.
- Intelligence or quick thinking, especially practical common sense.
- Mental acuity or the ability to understand and respond effectively to a situation.
"She had enough smarts to realize that the offer was too good to be true."
"He trusted his own smarts to get them out of trouble."
"The scheme required as much business smarts as technical knowledge."
The word is normally used as a plural noun and generally has no distinct singular form in this meaning.
"Their years of negotiating had sharpened their business smarts."
Smarts often means being clever in a practical, real-world way rather than merely knowing facts from a textbook.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does smarts come from?
The word belongs to the English family of 'smart,' whose older senses developed from Middle English 'smarte,' related to the Germanic word for pain or a sharp sensation. The modern sense of intellectual quickness became established in the 19th century. The plural noun 'smarts' developed as an informal term for mental ability and practical awareness.
Related word forms
How smarts is actually used
Usually informal and commonly used in the phrase 'street smarts,' where it refers to awareness of how people and practical situations really work. It is less formal than 'intelligence' and often suggests practical rather than academic ability.
Easily confused with smarts
Smart is primarily an adjective meaning intellectually quick or clever, whereas smarts is an informal plural noun meaning intelligence, savvy, or common sense.