Top 31 Slang For School – Meaning & Usage

School life is filled with its own set of slang and expressions that can sometimes leave students feeling out of the loop. But fear not, we’ve got you covered. Our team has put together a list of the most popular and current slang for school that will have you fitting right in with your classmates. So get ready to upgrade your school lexicon and stay ahead of the curve with our handy guide!

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1. Alma Mater

This term refers to the school from which a person has graduated. It is often used to express pride and loyalty towards one’s alma mater.

For example, a person might say, “I’m going back to visit my alma mater this weekend.”
During a sports event, a fan might cheer, “Go, alma mater, go!”
A college graduate might reminisce, “I had the best four years of my life at my alma mater.”

2. Cram Session

A cram session is an intense period of studying, usually right before an exam or deadline. It involves trying to learn or memorize a large amount of information in a short period of time.

For instance, a student might say, “I have a big test tomorrow, so I’m pulling an all-nighter for a cram session.”
During finals week, a friend might ask, “Do you want to join our cram session at the library?”
A student might complain, “I hate cram sessions, but sometimes they’re necessary to pass the exam.”

3. Bookworm

A bookworm is someone who enjoys reading books and spends a lot of time immersed in literature.

For example, a friend might say, “She’s such a bookworm. She reads a book a day.”
During a conversation about favorite hobbies, someone might say, “I’m a total bookworm. I can’t get enough of novels.”
A parent might proudly say, “My child is a bookworm. They’re always buried in a book.”

4. Class Clown

A class clown is a student who often makes jokes or acts silly in order to get attention and make others laugh. They are known for their humor and ability to lighten the mood in the classroom.

For instance, a teacher might say, “John is the class clown. He always has everyone laughing.”
During a group project, a classmate might say, “We need the class clown to lighten the mood and make this more fun.”
A student might joke, “I’m the class clown, but my grades are no laughing matter.”

5. Detention

Detention is a form of punishment given to students for breaking school rules or misbehaving. It typically involves staying after school for a specified period of time.

For example, a student might say, “I got detention for being late to class.”
During a disciplinary discussion, a teacher might say, “If you continue misbehaving, I’ll have to give you detention.”
A friend might ask, “Are you free after school, or do you have detention?”

6. Freshman

This term refers to a student in their first year of high school or college. It is often used to describe someone who is new to the school or lacks experience.

For example, “As a freshman, I’m still figuring out my way around campus.”
A senior might give advice to a freshman, saying, “Don’t worry, freshman year can be overwhelming, but you’ll find your groove.”
During orientation, a student might ask, “Are there any other freshmen in this group?”

7. Senioritis

Senioritis is a term used to describe a decline in motivation or effort during the final year of high school or college. It is often characterized by procrastination and a loss of interest in academic work.

For instance, a student might say, “I have a bad case of senioritis. I can’t wait to be done with school.”
A teacher might notice signs of senioritis in a student and say, “It’s important to stay focused and finish strong, even if you’re experiencing senioritis.”
A senior might joke, “I have a severe case of senioritis. I can barely get out of bed in the morning.”

8. Study Buddy

A study buddy is someone you partner with to study together. They provide support, motivation, and help in understanding and reviewing academic material.

For example, a student might say, “I’m looking for a study buddy for the upcoming exam.”
Two friends might agree to be study buddies and say, “Let’s meet at the library tomorrow and be study buddies.”
A student might ask, “Does anyone want to be my study buddy for the semester?”

9. Teacher’s Pet

A teacher’s pet is a student who tries to gain favoritism or special treatment from the teacher by being excessively obedient, helpful, or attentive in class.

For instance, a classmate might tease, “Oh, look, the teacher’s pet is raising their hand again.”
A student might complain, “It’s not fair that the teacher always gives special privileges to the teacher’s pet.”
A teacher might notice a student’s behavior and say, “I appreciate your enthusiasm, but try not to be a teacher’s pet.”

10. Bell Ringer

A bell ringer is a brief activity or assignment given to students at the start of class to engage them and prepare them for the lesson.

For example, a teacher might say, “Complete the bell ringer activity on the board before we begin.”
A student might ask, “What’s the bell ringer for today’s class?”
Another student might comment, “I always find the bell ringer activities a helpful way to review previous material.”

11. Lunch Lady

This term refers to the staff member who serves food in the school cafeteria. It is often used in a playful or nostalgic way.

For example, a student might say, “I’m going to grab some pizza from the lunch lady.”
In a conversation about school memories, someone might mention, “Remember when the lunch lady used to give us extra cookies?”
A person might joke, “The lunch lady has the power to make or break your day with her cooking.”

12. Pencil Pusher

This term is used to describe someone who has a desk job or works in an office environment. It implies that the person does mundane or administrative tasks.

For instance, a student might say, “I don’t want to become a pencil pusher after graduation.”
In a conversation about career choices, someone might comment, “I’d rather do something creative than be a pencil pusher.”
A person might use this term to describe their job, saying, “I’m just a pencil pusher, crunching numbers all day.”

13. Recess

This term refers to a scheduled period of time during the school day when students can take a break from classes and engage in unstructured play or socializing.

For example, a student might say, “I can’t wait for recess so I can play on the swings.”
In a discussion about the importance of play, someone might argue, “Recess is crucial for children’s social and emotional development.”
A person might reminisce, “I have fond memories of playing kickball during recess.”

14. Report Card

This term refers to a document that provides an assessment of a student’s academic performance in the form of grades or marks for different subjects.

For instance, a student might say, “I hope I get good grades on my report card.”
In a conversation about school achievements, someone might mention, “I got straight A’s on my report card.”
A parent might ask their child, “Did you bring home your report card? I want to see how you’re doing in school.”

15. Study Hall

This term refers to a designated period of time in school where students are expected to study or complete homework assignments in a quiet environment.

For example, a student might say, “I’m going to the library for study hall.”
In a conversation about study habits, someone might comment, “I find it easier to concentrate during study hall.”
A person might complain, “I have so much work to do during study hall, I never get a break.”

16. Textbook

A textbook is a book used as a standard source of information for a particular subject. In the context of school, it refers to the required reading material for a course.

For example, a student might say, “I forgot my textbook at home, can I borrow yours?”
A teacher might assign homework by saying, “Read chapter 5 in your textbook and answer the questions at the end.”
During a class discussion, a student might ask, “Can you explain this concept further? I didn’t understand it from the textbook.”

17. Valedictorian

The valedictorian is the student who achieves the highest academic ranking in a graduating class. They are typically chosen based on their grade point average (GPA) and academic achievements.

For instance, during a graduation ceremony, the valedictorian might give a speech to their fellow graduates.
A proud parent might say, “My daughter worked hard to become the valedictorian of her class.”
When discussing academic achievements, someone might ask, “Who was the valedictorian of your graduating class?”

18. Locker Room

The locker room is a designated area where students can store their personal belongings, change clothes, and prepare for physical activities such as gym class or sports.

For example, a student might say, “Meet me in the locker room before practice.”
During a conversation about school facilities, someone might comment, “The locker room needs better ventilation.”
When discussing personal experiences, a student might say, “I accidentally left my phone in the locker room and it got stolen.”

19. Pop Quiz

A pop quiz is an unannounced test or examination that is given to students without prior notice. It is designed to assess their understanding of the material and often covers a small portion of the curriculum.

For instance, a teacher might say, “Put away your books, we’re having a pop quiz.”
A student might complain, “I didn’t study for the pop quiz because I didn’t know we were having one.”
When discussing different types of assessments, someone might ask, “Have you ever had a pop quiz in any of your classes?”

20. School Spirit

School spirit refers to the sense of pride, loyalty, and enthusiasm that students, staff, and alumni have for their school. It often involves supporting sports teams, participating in school events, and showing pride in the school’s achievements.

For example, a student might say, “I love going to football games and showing my school spirit.”
During a pep rally, someone might lead a chant to boost school spirit.
When discussing school culture, a teacher might say, “We need to find ways to increase school spirit among the students.”

21. Homecoming

Homecoming is a traditional event held by high schools and colleges to welcome back former students. It usually includes a football game, a dance, and various other activities.

For example, “Are you going to the homecoming game this year?”
A student might say, “I’m so excited for homecoming week, it’s always a blast!”
Another might ask, “Who are you going to ask to homecoming?”

22. Grad Bash

Grad Bash is a special event held for graduating high school seniors. It typically involves a night of entertainment, rides, and shows at an amusement park or other venue.

For instance, “I can’t wait for Grad Bash, it’s going to be so much fun!”
A student might say, “Did you hear what band is performing at Grad Bash this year?”
Another might ask, “Are you going to Grad Bash with a group of friends?”

23. Prom

Prom is a formal dance typically held at the end of the school year for high school students. It is a special event where students dress up in formal attire and enjoy a night of dancing and socializing.

For example, “Are you going to prom with anyone?”
A student might say, “I’m so nervous about asking someone to prom.”
Another might ask, “Have you picked out your prom dress yet?”

24. Senior Skip Day

Senior Skip Day is a day when seniors in high school decide to skip school and have a day off. It is often seen as a tradition for seniors to enjoy their final year of high school.

For instance, “Are you participating in Senior Skip Day?”
A senior might say, “I can’t wait for Senior Skip Day, it’s going to be so much fun!”
Another might ask, “What are your plans for Senior Skip Day?”

25. Study Group

A study group is a group of students who come together to study and prepare for exams or assignments. It allows students to share knowledge, discuss concepts, and support each other in their academic endeavors.

For example, “I’m forming a study group for the upcoming test, anyone interested?”
A student might say, “Study groups have really helped me improve my grades.”
Another might ask, “Can I join your study group? I’m struggling with this subject.”

26. Lunch Money

This term refers to the money that students bring to school to purchase their lunch. It can also be used to describe any money that is spent on food during the lunch period.

For example, a student might say, “I forgot my lunch money at home, can I borrow some?”
Another student might complain, “The cafeteria food is so expensive, I always run out of lunch money.”
A teacher might remind the students, “Don’t forget to bring your lunch money tomorrow, we’re having a pizza party!”

27. Cafeteria Food

This term refers to the food that is served in the school cafeteria. It is often used to describe food that is of lower quality or less desirable compared to food from other sources.

For instance, a student might say, “I hate the cafeteria food, it’s always so bland.”
Another student might comment, “I miss my mom’s cooking, the cafeteria food just doesn’t compare.”
A teacher might ask, “What do you think of the cafeteria food? Any suggestions for improvement?”

28. Class President

This term refers to the student who is elected by their classmates to represent their class and serve as a leader. The class president is responsible for voicing the concerns and ideas of the class to the school administration.

For example, a student might say, “I’m running for class president, I want to make positive changes for our class.”
Another student might ask, “What does the class president do, anyway?”
A teacher might announce, “It’s time to vote for our class president, make sure to consider each candidate’s platform.”

29. Pep Rally

This term refers to a school event that is aimed at boosting school spirit and morale. It often involves performances, cheers, and speeches to get students excited about upcoming sports games or other school activities.

For instance, a student might say, “I can’t wait for the pep rally tomorrow, it’s always so much fun!”
Another student might ask, “Are you going to the pep rally? I heard there will be a surprise performance.”
A teacher might remind the students, “Don’t forget to wear your school colors to the pep rally, let’s show our spirit!”

30. School Dance

This term refers to a social event organized by the school where students gather to dance, socialize, and have fun. School dances are often held during special occasions or as part of school celebrations.

For example, a student might say, “I’m so excited for the school dance this weekend, I hope my crush asks me to dance.”
Another student might ask, “What should I wear to the school dance? I want to look nice.”
A teacher might announce, “The school dance has been rescheduled to next Friday, mark your calendars!”

31. Varsity

This term refers to the top-level sports teams at a school, typically at the high school or college level. Varsity teams are made up of the most skilled and competitive athletes.

For example, “He plays on the varsity basketball team.”
A student might say, “I’m trying out for the varsity soccer team this year.”
In a discussion about school spirit, someone might mention, “The varsity football team always has a big following at games.”