Literary notes about swot (AI summary)
The term "swot" is multifaceted in literary texts, serving both as a nickname or epithet for characters and as a descriptor for someone overly studious. In dialogue, characters are directly addressed by or refer to someone as Swot, embedding the term in personal identities and dramatic interactions ([1], [2], [3], [4]), while in other passages it functions as a noun or verb to denote diligent, often obsessive studying, as in the expressions "to swot up" or being called a swot for exhibiting scholarly zeal ([5], [6], [7], [8]). Additionally, the word appears in specialized or colloquial contexts, including military jargon and regional dialects, further showcasing its adaptive use in narrative voices and settings ([9], [10]). This range of applications illustrates how "swot" dynamically conveys themes of both academic dedication and social characterization across a variety of literary landscapes.
- "We must now be within a few yards of the Lady Anne ," whispered Swot, after another long pause: "take to your arms."
— from The Mysteries of London, v. 2/4 by George W. M. (George William MacArthur) Reynolds - " It was not a large nor particularly brilliant tree, but to Swot it was everything that was beautiful.
— from Wanted—A Match Maker by Paul Leicester Ford - "'Cause youse can work on de present," explained Swot.
— from Wanted—A Match Maker by Paul Leicester Ford - "You know the windmill about a mile below the town," returned Swot, to whom this question was addressed.
— from The Mysteries of London, v. 2/4 by George W. M. (George William MacArthur) Reynolds - Groute , verb (Marlborough and Cheltenham).—To work or study hard; to SWOT ( q.v. ).
— from The Public School Word-book A conribution to to a historical glossary of words phrases and turns of expression obsolete and in current use peculiar to our great public schools together with some that have been or are modish at the universities by John Stephen Farmer - I'll swot up my Latin like anything next term, so as to read about you.'
— from The Magic City by E. (Edith) Nesbit - We've learnt that a Boy who Cries is a 'Blub,' that a Boy who Works Hard is a 'Swot' "—— Flora. "
— from Our PeopleFrom the Collection of "Mr. Punch" by Charles Keene - 'I should advise you to swot it up before Saturday,' said Parker.
— from Tales of St. Austin's by P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse - Swot is, as the querist supposes, a military cant term, and a sufficiently vulgar one too.
— from Notes and Queries, Number 23, April 6, 1850 by Various - Swot .—I have often heard military men talk of swot , meaning thereby mathematics; and persons eminent in that science are termed " good swots ."
— from Notes and Queries, Number 22, March 30, 1850 by Various
