Greek Life Terms

Curious as to what certain things pertaining to Greek life mean? Here's an extensive list of terms and their definitions:

A
Active Member – An initiated fraternity or sorority member in a Greek organization who is affiliated with a campus chapter and typically an undergraduate student

Alumna – A graduated member of a women’s sorority/fraternity (plural is alumnae)

Alumni Association – An organization of alumni from an individual fraternity or sorority. The association may be based on geographical location or chapter.

Alumnus – A graduated member of a men’s fraternity (plural is alumni)
B

Badge/Pin – the insignia of an initiated member received during the Initiation ceremony that is typically worn on the left side over the heart

Bid – a formal invitation for membership into a Greek organization

Bid Day – The last day of recruitment when new members accept their bids and officially join a sorority

Big Brother/Big Sister – An initiated member of a fraternity or sorority who is assigned to serve as an advisor/mentor and friend to a new member. A “Big” guides the “Little” (Little Brother/Sister) during their new member period and beyond.

Brother – An initiated member of a men’s fraternity
C

Chant/Call – A vocal sound or cheer that is used by Greek organizations to acknowledge one another, boost spirit, and express their chapter

Chapter – The local collegiate group of a fraternity or sorority on a campus. The first chapter of a sorority/fraternity is known as the Alpha chapter, and as chapters are established, they are given Greek names to designate them.

Chapter Advisor – An alumna/alumnus who establishes and maintains a close advisory relationship with a chapter and serves as a teacher, counselor/mentor, and friend to active members.

Chapter House/Suite/Lodge – Depending on the campus, the location where the sorority members live and/or hold their meetings.

Colony – A newly-organized collegiate group working with their National Headquarters to become an established, chartered chapter. The members of a colony are referred to the chapter’s “founders.”

Crossed – The actual date of initiation into a cultural Greek organization, which is used to represent the symbolic “crossing of the burning sands”
D

Deferred Recruitment – A time when the Formal Recruitment process occurs during the second semester

Debadge/Depin – The process of terminating one’s membership anytime following Initiation and leaves the sorority/fraternity

Depledge/Break a Pledge – The process of terminating one’s membership before Initiation when one is not yet an active, initiated member

Dues – Monthly or semesterly (depending on the established plan) costs of being in a fraternity or sorority. Consistent failure to pay dues could result in bad standing or termination of membership.
E

E-Board – “Executive Board,” also referred to in some sororities as Executive Council, which includes the elected executive officers of the chapter (i.e. President, Vice Presidents, Secretary, etc.)
F

Formal – Like prom, only better. Typically every sorority/fraternity hosts a formal once a year where each member is allowed one date, they are often themed, and awards are given

Founders – The founding sisters or brothers of the national sorority or fraternity

Fraternity – A men’s Greek organization. Some sororities do use the title in their official name, as well as co-ed Greek organizations.
G

GDI – “God Damn Independent,” refers to a college student not in a fraternity or sorority. This term is used in a derogatory way in some colleges, but used proudly by the non-Greeks themselves in other colleges; see “Non-affiliated.”

GLO – “Greek Letter Organization” (social, honor, or professional)

Good Standing – A sorority or fraternity member who has fulfilled all membership obligations, such as paying their dues, maintaining the required GPA, etc.

Greeks – Members of Greek-letter fraternities and sororities

Greek Week – A annual week of activities in which Greek chapters come together and participate in athletic events, chanting or singing, community service, brotherhood/sisterhood activities, a ceremony, etc.
H

Hazing - Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule, which is prohibited by university policy, state law, and the policies of national fraternities and sororities. Hazing does not promote or build true brotherhood/sisterhood and goes against the formal beliefs of a Greek organization.

House Chair/Manager – The position of an appointed officer or person who has been hired to supervise the chapter house
I

Inactive Member – Members who are not actively participating in the chapter, which may be someone studying abroad, taking a semester off, or are in some other category that really depends on the specific organization.

Infraction – When a sorority or a sorority member breaks a recruitment rule set forth by the Panhellenic council at her school

Initiation – A traditional, secret formal ceremony that officially gives someone membership into a Greek organization. Formal Initiation is different depending on each fraternity/sorority.

Intake – The educational process of membership that one goes through in order to become an NPHC member
J
K
L

Lavalier – necklace bearing the letters of a fraternity/sorority

Lavaliering – When a fraternity man gives his letters to his girlfriend, which indicates a romantic or close commitment. The seriousness of this act varies from campus to campus and often ‘permits’ the woman to wear the fraternity letters on a necklace.

Legacy – A potential new member whose grandparent, parent, brother, or sister is a member of a fraternity or sorority. Traditionally, a legacy is more likely to receive a bid from that particular fraternity/sorority and is only a legacy for the organization that the relative was a member of.

Letters – The Greek letters of an organization that are worn or displayed on various items, such as an article of clothing embroidered with the letters and worn by an initiated member

Little – Each new member is given a “Big” sister that has been a mentor to her throughout her new member period.  The new member is called a little.  This bond remains even after the new member has initiated.  Fraternities also have big/ little brothers
M

Meet the Greeks – An information session typically held as a meet-and-greet for the purpose of recruitment
N

Nationals – Every chapter is a member of a national organization which sets policies for the entire sorority or fraternity

National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) – The governing body for 26 national and international women’s fraternities/sororities

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) – The governing body of nine historically African-American Greek fraternities and sororities

New Member Educator – This is an initiated member of the sorority/ fraternity who will serve as the new member class’s “teacher” of the chapter. She or he will be their guide throughout their new member period.

New Member/Pledge/Associate Member – A person who has accepted a bid from a Greek organization, received the proper pin, and is preparing for membership through Initiation.

New Member Education Process – The time period where new members learn about their organization and responsibilities, bond with the other new members, and participate in brotherhood/sisterhood activities

North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) – The governing body and trade association representing 75 International and National Men's Fraternities

Non-affiliated – “Independent” individuals not involved with a Greek-letter organization
O

Order of Omega – A national honor society that recognizes fraternity and sorority members who excel in academic achievement, Greek leadership, and campus involvement
P

Paddle – This is seen as a gift in the Greek world and is often given from chapter to chapter as a crafted thank you gift or an honor. It is also given between Littles and Bigs or close sisters/friends.

Philanthropy – A community service and/or fundraising project sponsored by a chapter to raise money or donate community service hours, which typically aligns with the Greek organization’s chosen charities

Pin – Sometimes known as an initiated member’s badge (see “badge”); may refer to pledge/new member pins are worn by new members who are in the process leading up to initiation

Pledge – Refers to the men that have accepted a bid to a particular fraternity chapter but are not yet initiated

Pledge Class – New members who pledge during the same period, who typically form a closer bond as they go through the new member process together

PNM – A “Potential New Member,” sometimes known as a Rushee, which is someone going through a recruitment process and could potentially receive a bid from a sorority or fraternity

Probation – A member of a sorority or fraternity is put on probation if they have not fulfilled part of their membership, such as GPA requirement, financial obligations, or social standards. Typically members on probation cannot vote in chapter elections while on probation among other restrictions.
Q

Quota – The number of members a Greek chapter must have, which determines the number of bids that can be extended during recruitment
R

Recruitment – The process by which sororities select new members, which typically consists of several “rounds” or “parties.” Many collegiate chapters hold formal recruitment in the Fall and informal recruitment (if necessary) in the Spring.

Ritual – The traditional beliefs, oaths, and ceremonies of a fraternity or sorority that are secret and usually implemented in weekly meetings and initiation and are especially important to members

Recruitment Counselor (Phi Chi/ΠΧ, Rho Chi/ΡΧ, or Gamma Chi/ΓΧ) – A representative from a sorority who disaffiliates from her chapter during the recruitment process in order to help potential new members
Rush - A program (and period of time) of membership recruitment by Greek organizations.  It is primarily the IFC fraternities that use this term, although it is often used unofficially by other organizations.

Rushee – see “PNM”
S

Sister – An initiated member of a sorority/women’s fraternity

Sisterhood/Brotherhood – Intangible, yet the most cherished of assets among all Greek members, sisterhood and brotherhood are the foundations of sorority and fraternity life. Both are difficult to explain, but they can be basically characterized by their most common and identifiable element.

Scholarship – A minimum grad point average is required by sororities and fraternities in order to become an initiated member. Each chapter has a scholarship program to provide incentives, coordinate study hours, and to encourage members to achieve their highest academic goals.

Social/Mixer – When two organizations, usually a sorority and fraternity, but can also be two sororities or two fraternities, get together to do a planned activity

Sorority – A woman's Greek organization. This is the term commonly used to distinguish between men's (fraternity) and woman's (sorority) organizations, although many sororities identify as a fraternity in their official name.

Stepping/Stroll – A performance or line dance involving marching and the traditional culture of an organization (usually at a party or step show)

Strict Silence – A policy where members are forbidden to discuss recruitment and related topics with non-sorority members outside of recruitment events. Some chapters even forbid members from talking to non-members during the end of recruitment until Bid Day unless absolutely necessary (such as for a class).
T

Twiddle: “Twin Littles;” when a Big has two Littles at once 
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

Why Go Greek?

I’ve had many family members and friends from my hometown and high school ask me why I decided to join a sorority, and many people even tease me for doing so.  To most of them, I’m paying a lot of money every month to be a part of a social group where the only purpose is to party with the stereotypical “frat guys” and drink excessively.  It’s unfortunate that their opinion of what it means to be in a sorority comes from images portrayed by the media and preconceived notions.  I’ll be the first to admit that I never, ever saw myself as a sorority girl, because I thought that I essentially had to be Elle Woods from Legally Blonde (think blonde Reese Witherspoon in all pink with a lot of money and a tiny dog).  While there are probably women in Greek organizations who fit this profile, this “sorority girl” image doesn’t even come close to describing every sister, and I think that this is a good thing.  While it’s important to have a positive image on campus, each chapter is composed of many different types of individuals.  This diversity can definitely cause conflicts among its members, but it also provides for many personalities and strengths.  However, keep in mind that joining a sorority or fraternity is not for everyone, and not doing so doesn't mean that someone is below a Greek.  Sororities are amazing ways to get involved, support philanthropies, connect with others, and express one's self and beliefs, but some individuals can do this without feeling the need to join one.

But why go Greek?  Why is this something that some women should do?  Is it worthwhile?  Personally, I wanted to join a sorority to find my niche and really get involved on and off campus.  I loved how Greek members were some of the best in college and beyond (higher GPAs, on-campus involvement, and much more), and I wanted to be in a position of leadership during my four years there.  I would encourage any young woman who is interested in joining a sorority to truly entertain the idea.  Make a variety of friends who are and aren’t in Greek organizations, and do a little bit of research before you join one yourself.  Sororities do have many similarities; however, the specific details, rituals, and beliefs are what makes each unique.  Find out how your potential sororities are perceived around campus, but don’t set your heart on a chapter just because it’s the largest or best-known.  While sororities are social organizations, they also provide opportunities to get involved in philanthropies and the community, connect with women across the country, and better yourself.  It’s not all about the parties with guys, going out every night, how you look, or having a lot of money, and there are always girls who go through recruitment thinking that it is.  Going Greek and joining a sisterhood means holding yourself and those around you to a higher standard.  It means broadening your horizons, getting involved in your community, and stepping outside your comfort zone.  It means finding a group of women who, through the good and the bad, during college and beyond, will always stand by you; your sisters will push and encourage you to be your best.  It means unexpectedly meeting some of your sisters from other chapters and knowing that you have [secret] things in common that instantly bond you together.  Being a sorority woman is not just a privilege, but an opportunity to become a better person.  I’m a part of something that is so much bigger than just myself and have amazing sisters who have come before me and will come after, and that’s what I think being Greek is really about.  

It's exciting to meet someone who is involved in Greek life or find out that friends I went to high school with have joined sororities or fraternities.  Having pride in your organization is what it's all about, and those who truly love what they stand for will live by those values.  Our rituals, despite misconceptions, are all very different and are more than the physical symbolism of these beliefs.  Our past sisters are more than black-and-white photos of women with still expressions and haircuts much different than our own.  Going Greek to me means wearing letters and badge with pride and living out values through action.  Having something beautiful in common with women across the country whom I don't know and may never meet is pretty amazing; it's a great feeling of never truly being alone.  That's why I'm proud to be Greek, despite the numerous inquiries and jokes from friends or family.  To perfectly sum it up, "From the outside looking in, you can never understand it.  From the inside looking out, you can never explain it."  I hope that many other sorority women feel the same way!