College Greek Life: A Guide to Sorority and Fraternity Jargon

College Greek Life: Don’t worry if your TikTok “For You” stream is full of University of Alabama and other college women talking about their OOTD.” You’re not alone.

Rush week resumes. College campuses host a multi-day event where prospective sorority and fraternity members travel to these locations of camaraderie. They perform house visits and talk to current members as part of the rites of being chosen and admitted into a sisterhood or brotherhood.

Without experience in collegiate sororities or fraternities, Greek life’s jargon may be confusing. Since rush will be heard everywhere in the next few weeks, let’s figure out this era’s cryptic language.

A sorority or fraternity “bid” is a letter with many invitations. It frequently appears near the end of recruitment or rush week, urging the recipient to join.

Then comes “bid day,” when new members are joyfully welcomed. Existing members celebrate the newcomers’ group bond.

A sorority or fraternity “big,” abbreviated for “big sister” or “big brother,” guides a “little,” a new member.

This beautiful tapestry features a name that unites fraternity or sorority members in a musical hug.

College fraternities and sororities, which are local campus groups part of a national Greek organization,

Sororities and fraternities require dues, which are used for events, administration, and programming.

Female sororities and male fraternities govern college student social systems. Most colleges have many chances for lifelong connections beyond graduation.

A universe of collegiate sororities and fraternities-related things.

College Greek Life

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Hazing is a terrible idea that makes people feel bad about themselves, whether they want it or not. Some Greek chapters include it in their initiation ceremonies despite it being banned in many areas and discouraged by schools.

Two to three Greek letters name fraternities and sororities.

These groups care about excellent causes and want to help. Their donations and volunteerism serve as proof of this.

A sorority or fraternity member without the proper initiation rite

The group’s first member In the novitiate stage, the person joins but is not initiated.

A person seeking sorority or fraternity recruitment.

“Preference Day,” or “pref,” is a formal party during Rush week. Those seeking the invitation should show their support for a Greek organization here.

“Recruitment” and “rush” involve the same process. Before receiving an offer, sorority and fraternity applicants must interview and meet with multiple Greek groups.

This book will help you navigate the Greek vernacular’s complicated jargon as academia rises, falls, and rushes across the educational landscape.

Our Reader’s Queries

What does Greek life mean in college?

Joining a fraternity or sorority offers numerous benefits. Greek life provides opportunities to meet new people, develop leadership abilities, and establish long-lasting connections. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to partake in various parties and events.

Is Greek life in college worth it?

In addition, Greek associations boast over 9 million graduates in the US. At certain universities, up to 75% of students partake in Greek life. However, in most colleges where Greek life is prevalent, around 33% of students are involved.

What percentage of college students join Greek life?

Fraternities and sororities are called Greek life because they use Greek letters. This tradition began with Phi Beta Kappa, the first academic fraternity, in 1776. Back then, the study of ancient Greek was popular in higher education, so they adopted Greek letters as a nod to that academic tradition.