Definition: Nous is an informal British expression for common sense or native intelligence. The word, which rhymes with mouse or house, is usually used to suggest a natural or canny intelligence that allows the possessor to get by in the world.
Now, here's the good part. This particular tidbit of British slang has very impressive credentials. It is, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, a straight adoption by English speakers of the classical Greek term nous, which means mind or intellect. It was used by philosophers in the 17th century to mean...well, common sense or native intelligence. It was adopted by the hoi polloi - in other words, the rest of us, in the 18th century and has been used as a slang term for street smarts ever since.
Pronunciation: Rhymes with house, mouseAudio Link
Also Known As: street smarts, savvy
Examples:
You don't have to be a college graduate to have the nous to tie your shoelaces.
