Kenny同志 570 Posted October 9, 2011 Report Share Posted October 9, 2011 What type of people are considered bright sparks? Is the word disapproving? It would be best if someone could give me an exact definition. thank you folks Quote Link to post Share on other sites
muirm 63 Posted October 9, 2011 Report Share Posted October 9, 2011 I have never heard this term, but dictionary says: noun Brit. informal, often ironica clever or witty person. Sounds like it is often used sarcastically to suggest a person is not clever or witty. Maybe someone from the UK or better-read than I can comment with first-hand insight. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
abcdefg 4,420 Posted October 9, 2011 Report Share Posted October 9, 2011 It means somebody with a lot of potential even though it is early in his or her career. I've seen and heard it applied to students as well as junior executives who have just joined a company. The term is not used a lot in American English; perhaps it's more frequent in British English. I'm not familiar with it's ironic use (used to mean the opposite of what it should.) EDIT: Sounds like I am behind the times (no great surprise there.) http://www.wordwebonline.com/en/BRIGHTSPARK Noun: bright spark Someone being or trying to be irritatingly clever; a smart alec - smart-ass [N. Amer], smart-arse [brit, Cdn], smartypants, smarty, smartie Quote Link to post Share on other sites
anonymoose 1,594 Posted October 9, 2011 Report Share Posted October 9, 2011 I think it depends on the context in which it is used. It may have a sarcastic undertone in some situations, but generally I'd say it simply refers to a bright person. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kenny同志 570 Posted October 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 9, 2011 Thank you for your comments, everybody. So the word is much different from "street-smart", am I right? I also have the feeling that "street-smart" is slightly disapproving/derogatory. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tooironic 399 Posted October 9, 2011 Report Share Posted October 9, 2011 I agree with everyone's comments about bright spark. Street-smart as no negative connotation AFAIK - just refers to someone who is good at dealing with issues typical of urban life, though I suppose there could be a criminal element to that. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HedgePig 55 Posted October 10, 2011 Report Share Posted October 10, 2011 I've mostly heard "bright spark" used in a slightly sarcastic way often in a question. For example, "Which bright spark had the idea to free up disk space by deleting all my work files?" I have to confess that I remember my mother using this phrase a lot in my youth.....(and definitely not in a complementary way!) I agree with tooironic that "street smart" doesn't have negative connotations. It's used for someone who knows how to get things done quickly and efficiently. e.g. "He may not have done well at school but he's pretty street-smart." Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kenny同志 570 Posted October 10, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2011 Many thanks for your comments. It's clear now. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Matty 79 Posted October 10, 2011 Report Share Posted October 10, 2011 I've never heard it used sarcastically, to me I've only ever encountered it as a compliment but usually directed to those who are more youthful than the speaker. As to say this kid is quite skillful and infering the kid has a lot of potential for the future. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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