In 2002 I published a paper in Gender and Education - 'Laddishness' as a self-worth protection strategy' ' that argued on theoretical grounds that 'laddish' behaviours may act to protect the self-worth and/or social-worth of many boys, and that 'laddishness' may be prompted by both a fear of academic failure and a fear of the 'feminine'. This highly topical BERJ article provides and discusses empirical evidence to support my previous proposal. It draws upon data generated during a Nuffield Foundation funded project from interviews with 50 boys across two secondary schools. The article focuses upon a key characteristic of 'laddishness', namely, the overt rejection of academic work. I argue that overtly rejecting academic work serves a dual function for some boys. First, it enables them to act in ways currently consistent with hegemonic forms of masculinity in their schools. Second, it provides an excuse for failure and augments success. RAE_import_type : Journal article RAE_uoa_type : Education