Smart

CHIC

Think of a word that describes something stylish and sophisticated, often used to praise fashion or design. It starts with the same sound as "sheek."

"Smart" here isn’t about intelligence—it’s a playful nod to the word’s other meaning: stylish or fashionable. In slang, "chic" (pronounced "sheek") describes something sleek and trendy, like a well-dressed person or a modern design. The clue tricks you by using a common word with a less obvious definition, relying on the solver to think beyond the usual interpretation. It’s a classic crossword move where the answer hinges on a secondary meaning.