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

It’s Dark and Hell is Hot would set a template for a new crop of hungry New York crews to embrace epic streetwise narrative storytelling.

From Time

Lynes is reminded “don't take photographs of the people and be streetwise” by his guide.

From The Daily Beast

He was a Harvard Law grad who was streetwise enough to demolish a heckler.

From The Daily Beast

But instead of pointing fingers, law enforcement should focus on treating addicts, says one streetwise expert.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

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