How is this one worked out?

[Romeo]

I was doing a crossword in yesterday's paper. One clue really bugged me and when I read the answer in today's paper I couldn't understand.

Clue: Northern student spoke Italian- smart, cultured, fair.

Answer: SPORTSMANLIKE

I don't get it. Do you? If anyone can explain, please do, so that I can solve other such strange clues.

[Quizmonkey]

Northern = N
Student = L
Italian = I

So you get: N L SPOKE I SMART cultured (for cultured read developed, processed etc - ie. an anagram indicator) to give SPORTSMANLIKE which means fair.

[Romeo]

Thanks for sorting that one out for me, Quizzy. But you have to admit - what a terrible clue, eh?

[wideboy]

Be prepared for worse!!