grade-grubber

1. n. an earnest, hardworking student. (In the way a pig roots or grubs around for food.)

□ Martin is a grade-grubber and a real hard worker.

□ If there are too many grade-grubbers in a class, it will really throw off the grading cale.

2. n. a student who flatters the teacher in hopes of a higher grade.

□ Toward the end of a semester, my office is filled with grade-grubbers.

□ A few grade-grubbers help assure old professors that the world is not really changing at all.