School of Hard Knocks
Encyclopedia
The School of Hard Knocks is an idiom
atic phrase meaning the (sometimes painful) education one gets from life's usually negative experiences, often contrasted with formal education. The term was first coined by American columnist George Ade
in 1912, and re-popularized by the song "It's the Hard Knock Life" from the 1977 musical adaptation of Annie
, which chronicles the life of poor, uneducated orphans.
It is a phrase which is most typically used by a person to claim a level of wisdom
imparted by life experience, which should be considered at least equal in merit to academic knowledge. It is a response that may be given when one is asked about his or her education, particularly if they do not have an extensive formal education but rather life experiences that should be valued instead. It may also be used facetiously, to suggest that formal education is not of practical value compared to "street" experience. In the UK, the phrases "University of Life" and "School of Hard Knocks" may be used interchangeably.
A common usage of the term is to insert a name in front (such as The Apollo Creed
School of Hard Knocks) to provide an air of intimidation, fear, or respect, and sometimes even to spare possible humiliation due to lack of a formal education.
Idiom
Idiom is an expression, word, or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is comprehended in regard to a common use of that expression that is separate from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which it is made...
atic phrase meaning the (sometimes painful) education one gets from life's usually negative experiences, often contrasted with formal education. The term was first coined by American columnist George Ade
George Ade
George Ade was an American writer, newspaper columnist, and playwright.-Biography:Ade was born in Kentland, Indiana, one of seven children raised by John and Adaline Ade. While attending Purdue University, he became a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity...
in 1912, and re-popularized by the song "It's the Hard Knock Life" from the 1977 musical adaptation of Annie
Annie (musical)
Annie is a Broadway musical based upon the popular Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and the book by Thomas Meehan. The original Broadway production opened in 1977 and ran for nearly six years with a blonde Annie as the poster...
, which chronicles the life of poor, uneducated orphans.
It is a phrase which is most typically used by a person to claim a level of wisdom
Wisdom
Wisdom is a deep understanding and realization of people, things, events or situations, resulting in the ability to apply perceptions, judgements and actions in keeping with this understanding. It often requires control of one's emotional reactions so that universal principles, reason and...
imparted by life experience, which should be considered at least equal in merit to academic knowledge. It is a response that may be given when one is asked about his or her education, particularly if they do not have an extensive formal education but rather life experiences that should be valued instead. It may also be used facetiously, to suggest that formal education is not of practical value compared to "street" experience. In the UK, the phrases "University of Life" and "School of Hard Knocks" may be used interchangeably.
A common usage of the term is to insert a name in front (such as The Apollo Creed
Apollo Creed
Apollo Creed is a fictional character from the Rocky films, initially portrayed as the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World. He was played by Carl Weathers. Many believe his character was modeled after Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali while Rocky Balboa was based on relatively unknown...
School of Hard Knocks) to provide an air of intimidation, fear, or respect, and sometimes even to spare possible humiliation due to lack of a formal education.