savvy

[ sav-ee ]

adjective

, sav·vi·er, sav·vi·est.

1. experienced, knowledgable, and well-informed; shrewd (often used in combination): a tech-savvy entrepreneur.

   consumers who are savvy about prices;

   a tech-savvy entrepreneur.

noun

1. Also savvi·ness. practical understanding; shrewdness or intelligence; common sense:

   a candidate who seemed to have no political savvy.

verb (used with or without object)

, sav·vied, sav·vy·ing.

1. to know; understand.

savvy

/ ˈsævɪ /

verb

1. to understand or get the sense of (an idea, etc)
2. no savvy
   no savvy I don't (he doesn't, etc) understand

noun

1. comprehension

adjective

1. shrewd; well-informed

Word History and Origins

Origin of savvy¹

First recorded in 1775–85; from Spanish sabe, 3rd-person singular present of saber “to know,” from Latin sapere “to be wise, taste”; sapient none

Word History and Origins

Origin of savvy¹

C18: corruption of Spanish sabe ( usted ) (you) know, from saber to know, from Latin sapere to be wise

Example Sentences

Ares said there are instances where savvy gankers manage to exploit loopholes.

From The Daily Beast

The best, or at least most successful, are bridging the gap between punk-rock DIY ethos and social-media savvy.

From The Daily Beast

The Departed star is also a very savvy businessman, having produced hit shows like Boardwalk Empire and Entourage.

From The Daily Beast

The savvy forger with Pappy empties to fill might get his hands on some Old Weller and present it as its more illustrious cousin.

From The Daily Beast

Kids, often more tech savvy than their parents, ogle XXX-rated photos and videos before they are legally old enough to do so.

From The Daily Beast

I can't talk Spanish, and the herder says that he no savvy 'Meriky' and it's up to me to sort and claim.

From Project Gutenberg

De Lisle told me that one week had made the most astonishing difference to the savvy of these first arrivals of the New Army.

From Project Gutenberg

"Why, Roy, you shore don't savvy the way to break these wild ones," drawled Las Vegas.

From Project Gutenberg

I don't just savvy your play, Andy, and if I lose on yuh—why, it won't be the first time I ever went broke.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, of course, he was born and raised in the wilderness, and there is a whole lot of things he don't savvy.

From Project Gutenberg