What is the origin of the idiom "book smart" and when to use it?

The exact origin of the term "book smart" is unclear, but it emerged as a colloquial expression to describe individuals who excel academically or possess extensive theoretical knowledge. The phrase likely emerged as a way to distinguish between different types of intelligence or knowledge, highlighting the distinction between theoretical knowledge gained from books and practical knowledge gained through experience or other means. The term gained popularity over time as a shorthand way to describe someone who performs well in academic settings but may not necessarily possess the same level of practical skills or street smarts.