smarts: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, predominantly North American in the noun sense.
Quick answer
What does “smarts” mean?
Intelligence, cleverness, or shrewd practical understanding.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Intelligence, cleverness, or shrewd practical understanding.
Streetwise intelligence or practical know-how; technological savvy or ability (e.g., in computing). Also used informally as a verb meaning 'to smart' (to feel a sharp pain or to sting).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The noun 'smarts' (meaning intelligence) is far more common in American English. In British English, it is understood but less frequently used; terms like 'intelligence,' 'cleverness,' or 'brains' are preferred.
Connotations
In AmE, often connotes practical, savvy, or street-smart intelligence rather than academic intellect. In BrE, its rarity can make it sound like an Americanism.
Frequency
High frequency in informal AmE; low-to-medium frequency in BrE, where it may be seen as a colloquial import.
Grammar
How to Use “smarts” in a Sentence
[Subject] + have/possess/lack + the smarts + [to-infinitive][Subject] + use/show + [possessive] smartsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “smarts” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The insult still smarts years later.
- My eye smarts from the soap.
American English
- The defeat smarts for the whole team.
- It smarts to be left out like that.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A for 'smarts' as adjective. Base form: 'smart' (e.g., a smart suit).
American English
- N/A for 'smarts' as adjective. Base form: 'smart' (e.g., a smart investment).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"She got the promotion thanks to her business smarts and negotiation skills."
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing; may appear in informal lectures or sociology texts discussing practical vs. academic intelligence.
Everyday
"You need more than just book smarts to fix this engine."
Technical
In computing: 'smart' technology (e.g., smart devices). The plural 'smarts' is less common but can refer to embedded intelligence.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “smarts”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “smarts”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “smarts”
- Using 'smarts' as a countable noun (e.g., 'He has many smarts') – it's uncountable.
- Using it in very formal contexts where 'intelligence' or 'acumen' is required.
- Confusing the noun with the verb form ('The cut still smarts').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal. In formal writing, use 'intelligence,' 'acumen,' or 'shrewdness.'
No. 'Smarts' is an uncountable plural noun, similar to 'knowledge.' You cannot use 'a' or 'many' with it. Use phrases like 'a lot of smarts' or 'plenty of smarts.'
'Book smarts' refers to academic knowledge gained from study. 'Street smarts' refers to practical, often intuitive, knowledge needed to deal with everyday life and people, especially in urban environments.
No, they are homographs (same spelling). The verb 'smarts' (from Old English 'smeortan') means to feel a sharp, stinging pain. The noun 'smarts' (intelligence) is a 20th-century American informal derivation from the adjective 'smart.'
Intelligence, cleverness, or shrewd practical understanding.
Smarts: in British English it is pronounced /smɑːts/, and in American English it is pronounced /smɑːrts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Street smarts (practical knowledge for urban survival)”
- “Book smarts (academic intelligence as opposed to practical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SMARTphone that has all the intelligence ('smarts') you need in your pocket.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTELLIGENCE IS A POSSESSABLE TOOL/WEAPON ("use your smarts", "she lacks the smarts").
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the noun 'smarts' LEAST likely to be used?