there was earlier discussion on 53a: popularity of those in tune with modern urban culture (10). it has been suggested this is street cred ... but that is two words, not one. i don't think it's right. but i'm blowed if i can think of anything else. has the tele erred ... again?
Street cred - acceptability among fashionable young urban people.
streetwise - having the skills necessary for dealing with modern urban life.
I went with street cred as I had dour for 42 d. However I agree with your point aboout the two words.
I tried chambersharrap 'wordwizard' and it threw up STREETWARD as one word but rejected word in Dictionary as did Collins and Oxford. So confusion is still remaining in my befuddled brain!
smiler, i think we have to go with street cred. but when/if the solution shows this to be the answer, i intend writing to the telegraph in very terse terms.