"For the glory of old State, for her founders strong and great. For the future that we wait. Raise the song, raise the song."
Penn State University is truly unlike any other place on the planet. It manages to take your breath away the moment you step foot in Happy Valley. You'll meet so many people from different backgrounds, states and even countries. No matter wherever it is that you came from you're part of one giant, exclusive family.
Although notoriously known for Greek life, there are tons of other relevant lingo that both past and present— even future Nittany Lions, know to be true. We essentially have our own language and it pretty much qualifies you to matter slightly extra since you're just sipping on that cool kid kool-aid.
SEE ALSO: 15 Signs You're From North Eastern Pennsylvania
Here's a personalized guide on how to decode and survive some major Penn State slang:
1. Adios
Easily one of the most dangerous drinks you will ever encounter on a night downtown when bar hopping. It's a combination of so many kinds of liquor from the very famous Shandygaff alongside it's other $6 liquor pitchers— Adios Mother F*cker. The name alone should haunt you a bit.
2. Beaver
Beaver Ave.... Duh.
3. Bloop
Also known as the Blue loop. It's route is pretty much circling campus hitting up spots like the you’ll be hitting up spots like the “Pattee Transit Center” aka the library towards the BJC, the White Building, parts of College and Allen finishing up at Walker.
4. Bracket
A jacket used for going to the bars that you don't necessarily have to love. It's just your go-to coat for going out in colder weathers. If it gets ruined or stolen, your day wouldn't be entirely ruined.
5. The Burg
After University Park, comes Penn State Harrisburg— the second largest branch campus located in Middletown, PA right next to Hershey and just a little over an hour and a half away from State College.
6. Cafe
Cafe 210 West... but no one ever calls it by its full name/address. This is the go-to spot for food and drinking, especially on an awesome, gorgeous day.
7. Canyon
The one place you can get pizza a dollar a slice until 4 a.m. fulfilling all your drunk guilty pleasures.
8. CATA
The bus transportation company with the most inconsistent arrival times. JUST WALK, people.
9. College
College Ave.... duh.
10. Denny/Den Rat
Frequent Lion's Den aka Den attendees. When it comes to boundaries— the limit does not exist.
11. Drunk Duck
The only drink mixed with orange juice you can get in all of State College with cute rubber ducks floating around in it.
12. Dorito Church
The symbolic church located between Beaver and Gardner shaped as an awkward dorito, commonly used as a check point or meeting place.
13. Fracket
Like a bracket, it's the same thing except used for solemnly for fratting.
14. Fratland
Pretty much self-explanatory with a pinch of extreme intoxication, stiletto heels and button down shirts.
15. Gaffeoke
Every Wednesday no matter the time of the year, you can always count on having a good time at the one and only Gaff with karaoke— with no cover charge. Amazing.
16. GDI
God Damn Independent— Basically everyone not involved in Greek. It's a little aggressive, but that's just what it means.
17. IM
The intramural building! Home of all intramural sports and anything remotely fitness related. Located across Shields Building aka Bursar Office aka tuition aka no.
18. Indihoe (or bro?)
Probably the most enjoyed club with a huge layout and fun lights. Feeling thirsty on a Thursday? Go to Indigo for $1 long islands.
19. Mac Daddy
The most guilt trippy calzone at D.P. Dough.
20. Monkey Boys
Saloon, saloon, saloon. Can be pricey five days out of the week but boy does it do you dirty.
21. My Hero Zero
When it comes to ranking local bands, My Hero Zero easily flys to No.1 on the charts. They cover all kinds of songs— both old and new. They totally know how to get a crowd going, especially when in Happy Valley.
22. Natty
The grossest, cheapest, somehow fitting beer— The infamous Natural Light.
23. Nittanyville
The "tent city" that is responsible for starting up the hype outside of Beaver Stadium Gate A before each home football game. They're troopers.
24. Pman
Primanti-Bros.
25. Pokey Stix
The one thing that's always the go-to move for late night munchies. But be warned— Pokey Stix will break your pocket.
26. THON
46 hour dance marathon and year long fundraiser to assist kids and their families— on top of finding a cure for pediatric cancer. This hits every Penn Stater right in the feels regardless how involved or uninvolved they are.
27. Toon Town
Penn State Altoona— another branch campus except this one has a heavy party reputation being that it's an even quicker ride to State College.
28. Townies
All locals that have a major love/hate for students and any visiting fellows.
29. Vladdy
Cheap and dangerous vodka. We all have nights we abuse it with immediate regrets in the morning.
30. Woop
The bus route primarily used for downtown purposes and *freshmen living at East* running on Beaver— east and west.
There's just so much more to add to this list but these are the top 30 to make the cut. I mean, WE ARE Penn State after all— The one university with the largest alumni association on top of constant increases in applicants each year.
See something missing? Comment it below!
