What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
streetwise
Example
Growing up in the city, he became streetwise at a young age. [streetwise: adjective]
Example
She used her streetwise skills to avoid getting mugged in a dangerous neighborhood. [streetwise: noun]
savvy
Example
He is savvy when it comes to investing in the stock market. [savvy: adjective]
Example
She used her business savvy to negotiate a better deal for her company. [savvy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Savvy is more commonly used than streetwise in everyday language. Savvy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while streetwise is less common and refers specifically to expertise in navigating urban environments.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between streetwise and savvy?
Savvy is more formal and professional than streetwise, which has a more informal and colloquial connotation. While savvy can be used in both formal and informal contexts, streetwise is typically associated with a more casual tone.
