'smart' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'smeortan,' where 'smeortan' meant 'to sting or cause pain.'

'smeortan' transformed into the Middle English word 'smerten,' and eventually became the modern English word 'smart.'

Initially, it meant 'to sting or cause pain,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'intelligent' and 'stylish.'