― Jack Sparrow to Gillette. Savvy is a term used as a synonym for wisdom or understanding. It is derived from the Portugese sabe (knows) and the Latin sapere (to be wise).Savviness relates to practical understanding, shrewdness or intelligence. Jack Sparrow to Gillette. Savvy is a term used as a synonym for wisdom or understanding. It is derived from the Portugese sabe (knows) and the Latin sapere (to be wise).