Meaning
Academic, formal learning from school and books — as opposed to 'common sense', the practical, streetwise wisdom of everyday life. A treasured Jamaican distinction warns that the two don't always go together: 'him have book sense but no common sense' describes a highly educated person who is useless at practical, real-life matters.
Examples
-
Him have plenty book sense but no common sense.
He has plenty of academic knowledge but no practical sense.
-
Book sense good, but yuh need common sense too.
Book learning is good, but you need common sense too.
-
Di street teach yuh things book sense cyaan.
The street teaches you things book learning can't.
Origin
From 'book' + 'sense'; academic knowledge, contrasted with 'common sense'. See [[duncehead]], [[common-sense]].
How it’s used
Academic learning vs. practical 'common sense'; the two don't always go together. See [[duncebat]], [[duncehead]].