Savvying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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savvying
[ˈsævi ]
Definition
understanding someone
To savvy is to understand or know something. Originally a colloquial term used in maritime contexts to signify comprehension among sailors, it has evolved into a broader term for grasping concepts or situations.
Synonyms
comprehend, grasp, understand.
Examples of usage
- I savvy what you're trying to say.
- Do you savvy the rules of the game?
- He doesn't savvy how to fix the car.
Translations
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Origin of 'savvying'
The word 'savvy' originates from the Spanish verb 'saber,' which means 'to know.' It entered the English language in the 19th century, particularly among sailors in the Caribbean and American maritime communities, who used it as a way to ask if someone understood something. The term gradually expanded its usage beyond nautical circles into everyday English, signifying a general understanding or knowledge about a subject. Moreover, it became popular in slang and colloquial speech, especially in the 20th century, maintaining its essence of comprehension and skill in various contexts.