streetwise

or street-wise

[ street-wahyz ]

adjective

1. street-smart.

streetwise

/ ˈstriːtˌwaɪz /

adjective

1. attuned to and adept at surviving in an urban, poor and often criminal environment Alsostreet-smart

Derived Forms

• street wisdom, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of streetwise¹

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65; street + wise ¹

Example Sentences

Paxton is a sweet and eager missionary born into the faith; Barnes joined by way of her mother’s conversion and seems a bit more streetwise.

From Los Angeles Times

Sean Dyche's side have got the nous and are streetwise, while Southampton are viewed by many as being naive and playing fantasy football, with their style of play under Russell Martin.

From BBC

Brentford are the better team, and they are more streetwise.

From BBC

They are playing like a Dyche team too - hardworking and streetwise, but with a bit of quality too.

From BBC

BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty called Arsenal "streetwise", while boss Mikel Arteta described their rearguard display in the 2-2 draw - having had Leandro Trossard sent off just before half-time with the Londoners leading 2-1 at Etihad Stadium - "a miracle".

From BBC

Related Words

• astute
• cagey
• canny
• crafty
• farsighted
• ingenious
• judicious
• keen
• penetrating
• perceptive
• probing
• prudent
• sensible
• sharp
• slick
• sly
• smart
• wily
• wise