What is the definition of Hardcore Studies?

'Hardcore studies' is a fancy term for the kind of academic pursuits that demand so much mental effort, physical stamina, and sheer determination that you'd need a superhero to keep up. Imagine studying for five years straight about the intricacies of why a rubber chicken can't fly because it's just too soft, even though you've got a PhD in the subject.

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Edgy example sentence: "I've dedicated my life to hardcore studies of existential dread, convinced it's not just a feeling but an actual scientific phenomenon that only the most dedicated philosophers can comprehend."