Английский Этимологический словарь - smart (v.)

- O.E. smeortan "be painful," from W.Gmc. *smert-. The adj. meaning "quick, active, clever" first recorded c.1303, from earlier sense of "sharp, severe, stinging" in O.E. smeart, related to smeortan. Meaning "trim in attire" first attested 1718, "ascending from the kitchen to the drawing-room c.1880." [Weekley] Smarts "good sense, intelligence," is first recorded 1968. Smart aleck is from 1865, perhaps in allusion to Aleck Hoag, notorious pimp, thief, and confidence man in New York City in early 1840s. Smart bomb first attested 1972; smart money is from 1926. Smartmouth (n.) first attested 1968; smart cookie is from 1948.