Is one of your friends or family members in a sorority, and you cannot understand a word they say? Are you looking to join a sorority in the future, and want to be knowledgeable of the lingo? Here is the ultimate dictionary to understand what they are actually talking about.
Even before your journey in the Greek system begins there are a few words that are vital to be familiar with.
Rushing is the informal term for the recruitment process, which is the most common way to join a sorority and become a part of Greek life.
PNM, also known as a "potential new member," is used by active sorority members to describe young women going through the recruitment process.
Rho Gamma/Rho Chi are a vital key to the recruitment process. They are the "recruitment guides" helping PNMs through this process. They are sorority members from various sororities who left their chapter temporarily to help PNMs find their home.
Preference Night is the last night of recruitment. It is typically a formal occasion where dining takes place, and a special ceremony happens, depending on the sorority.
Legacy is a term used to describe someone whose family member was a part of the Greek system. For example, if your mom was a part of a sorority, you are now a legacy to that particular sorority. This can help someone through the recruitment process, although it does not guarantee a bid (see below) from that sorority.
Bid marks the end of the recruitment journey. When a sorority extends a bid, they are extending an offer or invitation for the new member to become a part of their sisterhood.
Now that you have recieved your bid, here are a few more terms to be familiar with in order to survive the next four fun-filled years of your life.
New Member is used to describe a member who just joined a sorority that is not yet initiated (see below). Think of it as an introduction period in a new job, or the honeymoon phase in a new relationship.
Active is the opposite of a new member. An active is someone that is a full-fledged member of the sorority and has already been through initiation.
Initiation is the ultimate transition between being a new member and becoming an active. It might sound a lot scarier than it actually is. This is really just a ceremony filled with the sorority's history, meaning, and values.
Big/Little may be one of the most common used terms in the Greek system. A "Big" or "Big Sis" is given to a new member, known as the "Little" or "Little Sis" during the beginning of their sorority experience. A big is a best friend, a guide, a good example, and a resource. They are ultimately there to help their "Little" through their time in the chapter.
The House is basically each sorority's individual house. This is just a nickname that some Greek chapters use to describe their house (not all chapters or schools have Greek housing).
Standards is a term used for an officer or a group of officers in the sorority, who handle various situations. Often Standards is looked at in a negative way, and can be compared to getting called into the principal's office. Standards does handle disciplinary action for the sorority, but it is also a great resource that every member can take advantage of.
Formal/Date Party usually occur about once every semester. They are typically the same thing, but just have different names. This is a time to get dressed up, find a date, and have too much fun. They are similar to high school dances, but take away the teachers and add a bar.
Exchange/Social are gatherings usually paired with another Greek chapter, typically a fraternity. This is a time for these two organizations to get to know each other, and enjoy their college experience.
GDI or GEED is another term from someone not in the Greek system. GDI= God Damn Independent. This term is often not used with the best intentions.
Philanthropy is similar to a charity. It is an organization or a focus that each national sorority or fraternity chooses to donate their time and fundraiser efforts too. For example, Tri Delta's national philanthropy is St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
TFM/TSM are recent movements defined as "Total Frat Move" or "Total Sorority Move." For more information check out http://totalfratmove.com/ and http://totalsororitymove.com/
Dues are the least-fun part about being in a sorority. Dues are the money we pay in order to be affiliated with that chapter. This money goes to nationals' headquarters, to host philanthropy events, to have different social events, and so much more.
Letters are the sororities' individual Greek Letters. These are how you can identify one Greek organization from another. For example, Delta Zeta's letters are DZ. These letters are displayed on many different items, most commonly clothes.
Alumni/Alum/Alumna is a member of the Greek organization that is no longer in college, but still associated with the sorority. Being a sorority woman is not just for four years, but for life!
