SWOTVAC

Two more days left of these wretched classes. Since Jeremy and my schedules don't sync up, this week is his "SWOTVAC" and mine isn't till next week. Have I ever talked about this weird phenomenon called SWOTVAC before? It's not actually a phenomenon, persay, but it sounds quite phenomenon-like when you hear it the first few times. It's a one week break before exams (which actually is quite useful, as you might imagine). But just think of someone coming up to you and saying "So, do you know when swotvac is this year? I can't wait till swotvac!" *Blank stare* Actually, no one says they can't wait till swotvac because that means exams are just around the corner...Now aren't you dying to know what this little gem actually stands for? Sure, now you know what it means, by why on EARTH is it called SWOTVAC? Well, simply because:

The term swotvac derives from the Scottish word swot (or less commonly swat) originally meaning to sweat, which found use as a slang word describing a student paying careful attention to his work. Swot as a verb suggests acting like a swot, studying for one's exams. Vac is generally considered to be a shortened form of vacation, indicating the period free of classes. The use of the uncommon and outmoded word 'swot' has led to the backronym Study Without Teaching Vacation. There are many other different acronyms that can be derived

Generally, this period is one week long and free of classes or assessment, permitting students to spend the period revising material, generally in preparation for final exams. It is not often allocated for mid-semester or ongoing assessment. Though once popular and used by universities as the official name for the week, it seems to have fallen from favour and substituted for revision week. Regardless, the term swotvac remains popular amongst students and academic staff.

A similar week may also be known as reading week or dead week in US institutions of higher learning.

Now apparently this is a saying in Commonwealth countries but I have NEVER NEVER NEVER Heard it used to Canada. What about you, dear reader? Have you EVER heard this term before? Have I simply been stuck under a rock for the last 26 years, oblivious to this wonderful term? Have I dedicated a whole post to this because I am going slightly pre-exam crazy? You decide!