smarts

UK: smɑːts | US: smɑːrts

Definition

  1. n. intelligence or practical knowledge (informal)

  2. n. (archaic) sharp pain or stinging sensation

Structure
smart <sharp/clever>s <noun suffix>
Etymology

Originally tied to physical sharpness (pain), "smart" shifted metaphorically to describe mental acuity. The plural form "smarts" emerged in the 1700s as slang for intelligence, leveraging the existing root while dropping the painful connotation.

Examples

  1. She relied on her street smarts to navigate the city.

  2. His technical smarts impressed the hiring committee.

  3. The smarts required for this job go beyond book knowledge.

  4. (Archaic) The smarts of the wound made him wince.

  5. Young entrepreneurs often combine creativity with business smarts.