World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesWhip-smart
/ˈwɪp.smɑːrt/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
1 sense- 1
Exceedingly intelligent, quick-witted, and sharp in thought or perception.
"She is a whip-smart lawyer who can dismantle an opposing argument in seconds."
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Combining 'whip' (used adverbially in the 19th century to denote speed or sharpness, as in 'whipping fast') with 'smart' (meaning intelligent), the term emerged in American English during the mid-20th century. It metaphorically evokes the sharp, rapid crack of a whip to convey extreme mental agility and quick-wittedness.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Whip-smart"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Whip-smart" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
très intelligent
Transliteration: tre ɛ̃.tɛ.li.ʒɑ̃
"C'est une analyste très intelligente."
blitzgescheit
Transliteration: blɪt͡sɡəˌʃaɪ̯t
"Sie ist eine blitzgescheite junge Wissenschaftlerin."
intelligentissimo
Transliteration: in.tɛl.li.dʒenˈtis.si.mo
"È un ragazzo intelligentissimo e pieno di talento."
agudísimo
Transliteration: a.ɣuˈði.si.mo
"Tiene una mente agudísima para los negocios."
altamente inteligente
Transliteration: awˈta.mẽ.tʃi ĩ.tɛ.liˈʒẽ.tʃi
"Ela é uma profissional altamente inteligente."
तेज़-तर्रार
Transliteration: tez-tarrar
"वह एक तेज़-तर्रार वकील है।"
精明强干
Transliteration: jīng míng qiáng gàn
"她是一个精明强干的年轻经理。"
재치 있는
Transliteration: jae-chi inneun
"그녀는 매우 재치 있고 영리하다."
非常に賢い
Transliteration: hijō ni kashikoi
"彼女は非常に賢いビジネスパーソンだ。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsA speech sound which is produced by comparatively open configuration of the vocal tract, with vibration of the vocal cords but without audible friction.
A lightweight, portable automatic firearm designed to fire pistol cartridges.
A large poster or sign, typically displayed in a public place or carried during a demonstration or protest.
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