Definition
Having practical knowledge and good judgment about a particular area of life. If you are savvy about something, you understand it well and know how to deal with it effectively.
Example
She is savvy enough to avoid bad deals.
Show translation
She is savvy enough to avoid bad deals.
Etymology
From Caribbean Creole and earlier French *savez* (from *savoir*, "to know"), used in English from the late 18th century as sailor's slang meaning "do you understand?" It shifted from a verb/question to a noun and then an adjective meaning practical wisdom or cleverness.
Cultural note
Widely used in American English across business, tech, and politics — "media-savvy," "tech-savvy," and "street-savvy" are common compound forms. It implies not just book knowledge but the kind of practical, real-world smarts that come from experience. British English uses it too, though slightly less frequently.