Arse Smart is a playful expression used to describe someone who is clever or knows how to get away with something. The word arse sounds like /ɑːs/, while the word smart is pronounced like /smɑːt/. The word arse is used colloquially in British and Australian English to refer to the buttocks, while in American English, the word ass is used instead. Despite differences in spelling, these words are pronounced the same way. Overall, Arse Smart is a fun and informal way to describe someone who is quick-witted and cunning.
"Arse smart" is a colloquial expression primarily used in British English to describe someone who is cunning, clever, or sly in a mischievous or manipulative way. The term combines the word "arse," a slang term for buttocks or rear end, with the adjective "smart," which typically suggests intelligence or sharpness.
In this context, "arse smart" does not refer to someone who is simply knowledgeable or witty, but rather to a person who often employs their cunning or shrewdness to gain an advantage over others. It implies a certain level of craftiness or street-smartness, highlighting an ability to outsmart or outmaneuver others through their quick thinking and resourcefulness.
The term carries somewhat of a negative connotation, as it implies a lack of integrity or fairness. It suggests that the individual is more concerned with achieving their own interests or agendas, even if it means deceiving or playing tricks on others. It can also denote a person who excels at finding loopholes or exploiting situations to their own advantage.
Overall, "arse smart" portrays an individual who possesses a sharp and cunning intellect, often using it to benefit themselves in a scheming or manipulative manner.