media-savvy

The compound adjective 'media-savvy' is a modern formation, emerging in the late 20th century alongside the rise of mass communication as a dominant social force. The first element, 'media', derives from the Latin medium, meaning a 'middle layer' or 'intervening substance', which evolved to denote the channels (like newspapers, television) that stand between information and the public. The second element, 'savvy', has a more colorful journey, originating from the Latin sapere ('to be wise'), entering English via French and later pidgin languages, carrying a connotation of street-smart, practical knowledge. Thus, 'media-savvy' logically combines the concept of communication channels with shrewd, practical know-how, describing someone adept at navigating and utilizing the modern media landscape.

Structure: media (communication channels) + savvy (shrewd understanding) - media: From Latin media, plural of medium ('middle, center, intermediary'). In English, it functions as a noun meaning the main means of mass communication. - savvy: From French savoir ('to know'), via Louisiana French/Creole and West Indies pidgin English sabi. In English, it functions as an adjective/noun meaning practical knowledge or shrewd understanding.