Intelligent and able to think or learn quickly. In some varieties of English, it can also mean stylish or neat in appearance.
“Smart” originally meant “causing sharp pain” in Old English, from a root meaning “to sting.” From the idea of sharp physical feeling, it shifted to “sharp in mind” and later to “sharp in appearance.” English kept all three senses in different contexts.
“Smart” began as something that hurts—like a smart slap—before it became a compliment for brains and fashion. That “sharpness” theme runs through all its meanings: sharp pain, sharp mind, sharp look. Even “smartphones” fit in as sharp little tools in your pocket.
The word 'smart' has been used in gendered ways, with men more often described as 'smart' in technical or logical domains and women as 'diligent' or 'hard‑working' instead. Historically, girls and women were discouraged from certain fields, and language like 'too smart for a girl' reflected and reinforced that bias.
Use 'smart' consistently across genders for intellectual ability, and avoid pairing it with stereotypes (e.g., assuming men are smart in math and women in communication). Focus on specific skills or achievements rather than gendered expectations.
["intelligent","knowledgeable","skilled","insightful","capable"]
When discussing intelligence in science, technology, and leadership, explicitly recognize women and gender‑diverse people whose contributions were minimized or attributed to male colleagues.
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