Oxbridge

Oxbridge is a word that is used to mean the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge in England. It used to mean a fictional mix of the two universities, but now refers to both in real life.^[1]

The word 'Oxbridge' started because the two universities are very similar:

• They are the two oldest universities in England; both were started more than 800 years ago.^[2][3]
• They were the only universities in England until the 19th century.
• Between them they have produced a large number of Britain's most well known scientists, writers, and politicians,^[4] as well as famous people in many other jobs.^[5]
• Also, they both share a similar college system, as each university is made up of separate colleges.

The competition between Oxford and Cambridge also has a long history, dating back to the days when Cambridge was founded by unsatisfied scholars from Oxford.

1. ↑ Oxford English Dictionary (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press. 2005. Originally: a fictional university, esp. regarded as a composite of Oxford and Cambridge. Subsequently also (now esp.): the universities of Oxford and Cambridge regarded together, esp. in contrast to other British universities. adj Of, relating to, characteristic of, or reminiscent of Oxbridge (freq. with implication of superior social or intellectual status
2. ↑ "A brief history of the University of Oxford". Archived from the original on 2008-04-11. Retrieved 2008-03-29.
3. ↑ "A brief history of the University of Cambridge - Early records". Retrieved 2008-06-27.
4. ↑ Famous alumni and students of Cambridge University
5. ↑ Carole Cadwalladr on the Oxbridge elite | higher news | EducationGuardian.co.uk