Sophomore

/ˈsɑfəmɔr/ noun

Definition

a second-year student in high school or college

Etymology

From Greek 'sophos' (wise) + 'moros' (fool), literally meaning 'wise fool.' Coined in 17th century America for second-year students who thought they knew everything

Kelly Says

This word is basically calling second-year students 'wise fools' - they know more than freshmen but not as much as they think! It perfectly captures that overconfident phase of learning.

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