Smarty pants is a term used to describe someone who is excessively smart or intelligent. In the classroom, students can often be heard using this term to describe their peers who excel in academic subjects. However, while the term may seem harmless and even amusing, it can also have negative connotations, particularly for those who may not consider themselves “smarty pants.”
As educators, it is important for us to teach our students about the meaning of smarty pants, both from a grammatical as well as a social perspective. Here are a few key points to consider:
Grammar: When explaining the term to students, it is important to emphasize that smarty pants is actually a compound noun comprised of the words smarty (adjective) and pants (noun). As such, it is important to teach students that both words together form a single noun, rather than using them separately.
Social implications: While smarty pants can certainly be used in a playful way, it can also come across as derogatory for certain individuals. For instance, students who struggle academically or have learning disabilities may feel excluded or devalued if their peers constantly use smarty pants to describe high-achievers. Additionally, students who excel academically may also feel pressure to constantly prove themselves or live up to their peers’ expectations.
How can we help students navigate these social implications? Encourage students to use different language that celebrates students’ accomplishments without pigeonholing them into certain labels. Instead of calling someone a “smarty pants,” students can say, “Wow, you did really well on that test” or “I’m impressed with how much you’ve learned this year!” By focusing on the specific achievement rather than a label, students can feel genuinely celebrated for their hard work and abilities.
Furthermore, it is important for students to understand that intelligence comes in many different forms. Students who may not excel academically may have other talents and skills that deserve just as much recognition and praise. Encourage all students to celebrate each other’s talents and encourage each other to grow in all areas of life, not just academically.
