Canny

/ˈkæni/ adjective

Definition

Smart, shrewd, and careful; good at understanding people and situations; cautious.

Etymology

From Scottish and Northern English dialect, possibly from 'can' meaning 'to know.' The word originally meant 'knowing' and evolved to mean shrewd and careful judgment.

Kelly Says

Scottish people use 'canny' as a general positive descriptor for anyone clever, but English people often add the meaning of 'cautious'—one word, two different vibes depending on your accent!

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