Street smarts refers to practical life experience and common sense used to remain savvy and safe in real-life situations. It is often used to distinguish those who thrive in urban environments from those who don’t, and can be an insult to those lacking common sense. It also refers to a person’s instincts in high-stress situations and navigating social circles.
Street smarts is a colloquial slang term that refers to knowledge not obtained through higher education or formal education, but instead from practical life experience. In general, it involves using common sense to remain savvy and safe in real-life or “street” situations. The term has been used for decades throughout the United States, especially in regards to inner-city teenagers. It is often used as a clear line between those who thrive in urban environments and those who don’t, and can sometimes draw a line between economic or social classes.
The term is often used in conjunction with a criticism of someone who is “booked smart” but has little common sense. The very knowledge of the person is not questioned; it is usually assumed or admitted that the person is reasonably intelligent in terms of cognitive and judgmental skills, but in terms of street skill or common sense, the person tends to lack certain skills. This assessment is often an insult to the subject rather than flattery of his abilities as a “smart book” individual. Those without street smarts may find themselves butted heads by those with common sense in social situations rather than in addition to or in addition to formal education.
Street smarts can also refer to a person’s instincts regarding high-stress situations, such as navigating city streets by car, bicycle, or on foot. This includes not only knowledge of the city center or a particular location, but also a working knowledge of how to navigate the area in a safe and often aggressive manner. This may include knowing shortcuts, quicker means of travel, or even having contacts within the system – such as police officers, street vendors, locals, etc. Knowledge of the area or its history is not enough to qualify; the key component is its practical application.
A street smart person doesn’t necessarily know how to navigate an urban environment in a unique way. The term can also be used to refer to awareness and social interaction, regardless of environment. Communicating well with peers and navigating social circles can also fall into this category, particularly when dealing with youth social circles and high school cliques.
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