General
wide
What does wide mean?
Streetwise and on the ball — the opposite of a sap. Someone who's wide spots the wind-up coming, knows the angle, and isn't getting done. Often paired with 'cute' as in 'cute and wide' — a uniquely Irish compliment-slash-warning about a person who knows exactly what they're at.
"He's far too wide to fall for that one."
Origin
Hiberno-English, 19th century. 'Wide' in the sense of 'wide awake' to what's going on — preserved in Ireland after fading elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions
What does "wide" mean as slang?
It describes someone streetwise, sharp and in the know — nobody pulls one over on them.
How do you use "wide" in a sentence?
"You won't con him, he's too wide for that."
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