Dictionary definition of “matchbook college”

matchbook college

n. a (real or figurative) school of higher learning with low academic standards. Also matchbook university. Subjects: English, United States, Education, Derogatory

Etymological Note: From the supposed tendency of such a school to advertise on matchbook covers. Sometimes capitalized as if it were a proper noun.

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Citations: 1995 [dz895@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Brenda Moran)] Usenet: rec.arts.tv.soaps.abc (June 4) “Re: GH: Bobbie’s (Jackie’s) Acting”: Also Zeman is the new Sally Struthers for a “matchbook college,” so we know that school is for FULL FIGURED women. 1997 Greg Lucas @ Sacramento San Francisco Chronicle (California) (Apr. 6) “Enunciations of S.F.‘s Most Abstruse Solon”: Modern American politics are dominated by cheesy, simplistic sound bites. Political consultants and some politicians must believe all voters are graduates of Matchbook University’s course on Simple Minds and Short-Attention Spans. 1997 Porter Bibb Ted Turner: It Ain’t As Easy as It Looks (Sept. 1) p. 240: I can get an honorary degree from some matchbook college anytime I want. 2002 Roy Bragg San Antonio Express-News (Texas) (Sept. 3) “PETA isn’t pleased, but a millionaire’s project to clone dogs and other pets is already doing big business” p. 1A: The school, because it was a private venture and not affiliated with any established universities, was criticized by academics as a “diploma mill” and a “matchbook college.” 2004 Carol Thompson Valley News (Fulton, N.Y.) (Nov. 20) “Taxpayers foot tuition bills for county employees”: County funds have also paid for “internet campuses” that offer learning programs to “fit your learning style and budget” as well as online multiple choice exams that lead to a college degree. They are also referred to as “matchbook colleges” because these type courses have been traditionally advertised on the covers of matchbooks.

Posted 22 Nov 04 | Permalink | Tell a Friend