Hmm...professors. The stereotype is the absent-minded, gray-haired curmudgeon who is not exactly student-friendly. This may be true for some, though there are many, many types. But a common problem exists among all: students often have trouble communication with them.

College is tough, and sometimes you need to laugh. With that in mind, I present to you a translation of professor-speak: what they really mean in those common phrases they use.

This list has been around for years, but it never gets old.

Some of my Favorites:

My office hours are by appointment only. (I like to get out of here early.)

The final will be comprehensive. (I'll expect you to recapitulate in two hours everything I couldn't fully cover myself in 15 weeks.)

Everyone will prepare in-class oral presentations. (This course is outside my specialty---I'll just bluff it and let YOU teach.)

Let's have class outdoors today! (I had beans for lunch.)

The full list is here.