When it comes to hitting the books and preparing for exams, having a solid grasp of revision slang can make the process a whole lot more fun and engaging. Whether you’re a student looking to spice up your study sessions or a teacher wanting to connect with your students on a new level, we’ve got you covered with a list of the trendiest and most effective slang terms to use while you hit the books. Get ready to level up your revision game and ace those tests like a pro!
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1. Hit the books
This phrase means to start studying or to study with great focus and determination. It implies a sense of physically hitting the books as a way to emphasize the importance of studying.
- For example, a student might say, “I have a big exam tomorrow, so I need to hit the books tonight.”
- Someone might advise a friend, “If you want to pass the test, you better hit the books this weekend.”
- A teacher might encourage their students, “It’s time to stop procrastinating and hit the books for real.”
2. Cram
To cram means to study intensively in a short period of time, typically right before an exam or deadline. It implies the act of forcefully fitting a large amount of information into one’s brain.
- For instance, a student might say, “I didn’t study at all during the semester, so I have to cram for the final.”
- Someone might complain, “I have three exams tomorrow, so I’ll be cramming all night.”
- A friend might ask, “Are you ready for the test tomorrow, or do you still need to cram?”
3. Bone up
To bone up means to study and improve one’s knowledge on a particular subject. It suggests the idea of strengthening one’s understanding, as if adding more bones to the skeleton of knowledge.
- For example, a student might say, “I need to bone up on my math skills before the next quiz.”
- Someone might recommend a book, saying, “If you want to bone up on history, this is the perfect read.”
- A colleague might ask, “Have you been boning up on the new software? We have a training session next week.”
4. Grind
To grind means to study or work hard and consistently. It implies a sense of persistence and dedication in order to achieve a goal.
- For instance, a student might say, “I have to grind through this textbook if I want to pass the class.”
- Someone might encourage a friend, saying, “Keep grinding, and you’ll see progress.”
- A coworker might comment, “I’ve been grinding on this project for weeks, but it’s finally coming together.”
5. Burn the midnight oil
This phrase means to stay up late into the night in order to study or work. It suggests the idea of burning the metaphorical oil in a lamp to illuminate one’s work.
- For example, a student might say, “I have a paper due tomorrow, so I’ll be burning the midnight oil.”
- Someone might complain, “I’m exhausted from burning the midnight oil all week.”
- A colleague might ask, “Did you finish the report? I saw your light on late last night, so I assumed you were burning the midnight oil.”
6. Brush up
To review or practice something in order to improve or refresh one’s knowledge or skills. This term is often used when someone wants to quickly review or remind themselves of something they have previously learned.
- For example, “I need to brush up on my Spanish before my trip to Mexico.”
- A student might say, “I’m brushing up on the material before the exam tomorrow.”
- Someone preparing for a job interview might mention, “I’m brushing up on my interview skills by practicing with a friend.”
7. Swot up
To study or learn something intensively, often in a short amount of time. This term is commonly used in British English and is similar to “cramming” in American English.
- For instance, “I have to swot up on the history of art for my final exam.”
- A student might say, “I’m swotting up on all the formulas for the math test.”
- Someone preparing for a presentation might mention, “I’m swotting up on the latest research in my field.”
8. Review
To go over or examine something in order to assess its quality, performance, or content. This term can refer to a formal evaluation or a casual check.
- For example, “I need to review my notes before the meeting.”
- A teacher might say, “Let’s review what we learned in the last class.”
- Someone evaluating a product might mention, “I wrote a review of the new smartphone on my blog.”
9. Recap
To provide a summary or brief overview of something, often to refresh one’s memory or remind others of key points.
- For instance, “Can you recap the main points of the meeting for me?”
- A sports commentator might say, “Let’s recap the highlights of the game.”
- Someone recapping a TV show might mention, “In the last episode, the main character faced a major dilemma.”
10. Revisit
To return to or reconsider something, often in order to gain a fresh perspective or reevaluate a previous decision or opinion.
- For example, “I think it’s time to revisit that project and make some changes.”
- A reader might say, “I want to revisit that book and see if my opinion has changed.”
- Someone reflecting on their past might mention, “I’m revisiting my childhood memories and trying to understand them better.”
11. Rehash
When someone rehashes something, they are revisiting or going over it again, often in a repetitive or unoriginal way. This term can be used to describe the act of reviewing and repeating information or ideas.
- For example, a teacher might say, “Don’t just rehash the same points in your essay, try to bring new insights.”
- In a meeting, someone might comment, “We’ve been rehashing this issue for weeks, we need to find a solution.”
- A student might complain, “I hate having to rehash all this material for the test.”
12. Relearn
When someone relearns something, they are reviewing and reacquiring knowledge or skills that they had previously learned but may have forgotten or become rusty on.
- For instance, a person might say, “I need to relearn how to ride a bike after not doing it for years.”
- A student might realize, “I forgot most of what I learned last semester, I’ll have to relearn it before the final.”
- Someone might comment on a new software update, “I have to relearn how to navigate this interface.”
13. Refresh
To refresh something means to review and update it, often to bring it up to date or make it more current.
- For example, a website designer might say, “We need to refresh the homepage to give it a more modern look.”
- A person reviewing their resume might think, “I should refresh my skills section to include my recent certifications.”
- A teacher might tell their students, “Before the exam, take a few minutes to refresh your memory on the key concepts.”
14. Regurgitate
When someone regurgitates information, they are repeating it without truly understanding or processing it. This term is often used to describe the act of memorizing and repeating facts or ideas without fully comprehending them.
- For instance, a student might complain, “I hate having to regurgitate all this information for the test, I wish we could discuss it in more depth.”
- A teacher might warn, “Don’t just regurgitate the textbook, I want to see your own analysis and interpretation.”
- In a debate, someone might accuse their opponent of simply regurgitating talking points without critical thought.
15. Memorize
When someone memorizes something, they commit it to memory by learning it by heart or repetition. This term is often used to describe the act of intentionally learning and remembering information.
- For example, a student might say, “I have to memorize all the state capitals for my geography quiz.”
- An actor might comment, “I need to memorize my lines before the rehearsal.”
- A person studying a foreign language might think, “I should memorize some useful phrases before my trip.”
16. Mug up
To study intensively or quickly in preparation for an exam or test. “Mug up” is a slang term often used to describe last-minute studying.
- For example, a student might say, “I need to mug up on these notes before the final exam.”
- A friend might ask, “Are you mugging up for the test tomorrow?”
- In a conversation about study habits, someone might mention, “I always mug up the night before an exam.”
17. Bone up on
To study or review a subject, usually in order to refresh one’s memory or improve knowledge. “Bone up on” is a slang term that implies a focused effort to gain or strengthen knowledge.
- For instance, a person preparing for a job interview might say, “I need to bone up on my programming skills.”
- A student might ask, “Can you recommend any resources to bone up on organic chemistry?”
- In a discussion about learning new languages, someone might suggest, “I find it helpful to bone up on vocabulary before traveling to a foreign country.”
18. Polish up
To improve or perfect one’s skills or knowledge in a particular area. “Polish up” is a slang term that suggests putting the finishing touches on one’s understanding or abilities.
- For example, a musician might say, “I need to polish up my guitar playing before the concert.”
- A writer might mention, “I always polish up my essays before submitting them.”
- In a conversation about public speaking, someone might advise, “Polish up your presentation skills by practicing in front of a mirror.”
19. Re-examine
To look at something again, usually with the intention of reassessing or reconsidering. “Re-examine” is a term that implies a thorough and critical analysis.
- For instance, a scientist might say, “We need to re-examine the data to ensure our conclusions are accurate.”
- A teacher might ask students, “Take some time to re-examine your answers and make sure they are correct.”
- In a discussion about historical events, someone might suggest, “It’s important to re-examine past narratives and consider different perspectives.”