matric, noun
/məˈtrɪk/
- Origin:
- Shortened form of matriculation.
colloquial
1.
a. matriculation sense 1. Frequently attributive.
1994 Sunday Times 9 Oct. (Mag. Sect.) 8When I advised a female student to study engineering after passing matric, she nearly collapsed with shock.
b. comb.
1994 Weekend Post 22 Oct. 10Entry qualifications for a Unisa degree..matric exemption and at least three D symbols.
2. matriculation sense 2.
1955 A. Delius Young Trav. in S. Afr. 37If you want to get a decent job of any sort, or go to a university, you’ve got to get your standard ten, that’s matric, or senior certificate.
1991 Koch & Blecher in Weekly Mail 15 Feb. 5Toughman describes himself as a ‘middle’ student, but is sure he will get his matric one day.
3.
a. By metonymy: The final year of high school, Standard Ten. Often combination, as matric dance (occasionally matriculation dance, see matriculation sense 3), or matric farewell.
b. matriculant.
1984 Sunday Times 11 Nov. (Business Times) 1A large proportion of more than 54 000 black matrics..are on the verge of looking for work.
matriculation sense 1. Frequently attributive.
The final year of high school, Standard Ten. Often combination, as matric dance (occasionally matriculation dance, see matriculation sense 3), or matric farewell.
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