I Asked UNC Students What "The Ceiling Is The Roof" Actually Means | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

I Asked UNC Students What "The Ceiling Is The Roof" Actually Means

"If you don't know what The Ceiling is the Roof means, then you're no Tar Heel."

4275
I Asked UNC Students What "The Ceiling Is The Roof" Actually Means
Sport My Life

"If you don't know what 'The Ceiling is the Roof' means, then you're no Tar Heel."

Maybe you've seen this game day video. You know, the one where a whole cast of UNC favorites, including both Roy Williams and Larry Fedora, join forces to say, "The Ceiling is the Roof."

After watching this video for the eighth or ninth time this weekend in Kenan, I started thinking: What does this slogan of my university actually mean to the people who go here? Is there one catchy definition, or is it just something we say? Do any of us know what it means?

To me, The Ceiling is the Roof is basically the Michael Jordan way of saying the sky is the limit. But I decided to put it to a poll, conduct some interviews, and get right to the crux of the issue: how do others interpret what MJ said at that fateful March 5, 2017, Duke game (which, by the way, we won - because The Ceiling is the Roof).

The poll was posted in the UNC Memes for National Champion Teens Facebook page, a page with 3,278 members, all of whom presumably attend UNC. Of the 421 respondents, 62 answered, "Anything can be turned into a slogan and make money if you throw a Jumpan on it." 151 answered, "Obviously it's because there is no ceiling over Kenan, so the possibilities are endless (aka there's no roof)." 198 answered, "Ceiling + Roof = GOAT." Five smart alecks responded, "What? I've never heard this before." Finally, five apparent imposters in the group responded, "Just kidding, I'm not a Tar Heel so I have no idea."

Clearly, there's some conflict even among UNC students (and five imposters) about what the university's adopted catchphrase means. Some students tried to clarify it for us.

Mackie Teranto, a sophomore, said, "I think it means there's no ceiling on your capabilities - no limit to what you can do. So when you think of a ceiling, that's all it is, a physical roof." This more metaphorical view appeals to a lot of people because it's kind of the same "sky's the limit" idea I mentioned at the beginning.

Another metaphorical view was provided by junior Danesha Byron: "Ceiling is the Roof means we're no longer reaching for the stars, we're reaching for the roof. It's in the Tar Heel blood to raise the roof." I liked this idea because it added an aspect of MJ encouraging us in all facets of our lives. Raising the roof no matter what we're doing.

Freshman Will Worsley said, "Mr. Jordan was simply making a factual statement that was in no way intended to inspire. The ceiling is, in its most pure sense, the roof." I mean, he's right. You just can't argue with the logic. But I think it'd be weird to mention that completely out of context as you announce your new sponsorship and awesome branding of football gear. Then again, Jordan's kind of an eccentric guy, right?

Sophomore Rachel McKinney provided my favorite anecdote I've heard on this topic. She was at a Duke football game one week (she was paid to be there, don't worry), and the Duke University Marching Band (abbreviation DUMB) proudly announced, "Here at Duke University, we understand that the ceiling and the roof are two architecturally different components." Okay Duke, but like, do any of your former players sponsor your football team? Do you have a catchphrase? Can you abbreviate your name to University of National Champions? Didn't think so.

It's a complicated issue, this Ceiling is the Roof business, but regardless of how you define it...This basketball season is going to be another big one because you guessed it...The Ceiling is the Roof.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

143330
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

35012
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

31244
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments