I present to you a dictionary of words that students of Western Illinois University know too well. These words create a unique bond amongst the students who bleed purple and gold. To the outsiders, I am giving you a once in a lifetime opportunity to finally understand what these WIU students are talking about. Enjoy!
1. Macomb: (n). A city on the western edge of Illinois that is situated among cornfields and the middle of nowhere. When WIU students get asked where their school is located they know that the person is going to have no idea where Macomb is. Somehow "near the Illinois-Iowa border" never suffices non-WIU affiliated people.
2. Chick's: (n.) One of the best restaurants in Macomb that usually has a line you never want to wait in but always do because it's so damn good. When other people hear you're going to Chick's they are probably thinking of a farm or a strip club. However, WIU students and Macomb residents know that at 2 p.m. on a Saturday you're actually just going to eat lunch. Also, they do not actually serve the lips of a chicken here. So make sure outsiders don't call the health inspector!
3. Qualude: (n). An alcoholic drink similar to a milkshake that will put you on your a** and completely worth eight dollars of your grocery money. Those who don't attend WIU probably think that the students are constantly doing hardcore drugs and driving their cars like Leo DiCaprio. I don't know about their driving skills but a qualude is indeed a drink, we promise. You won't find it at the typical weekend hot-spots so better make sure you're actually 21 to get in.
4. Neck Up: (v.) To be more of a Leatherneck than you currently are. Random classes, football games, and even social events somehow always require at least one person to yell "Neck Up." Honestly, some Western students don't truly know what it means. However, it is quite fun to say so don't judge the people slapping their necks on campus. I promise you're the weird one who isn't.
5. Colonel Rock The Third "Rocky": (n.) Thehumble, lovable, and pleasantly plump bulldog that Leathernecks are lucky to call their mascot. When WIU students refer to Rocky they aren't talking about the next Sylvester Stallone movie or the mountains of the West Coast. Our mascot is well known throughout campus and can be spotted on an almost daily basis. Students are able to pet and take pictures with him. He is wheeled around in a giant doghouse so it's easy to see why he hasn't lost any weight.
6. Wheeler Street Block Party: (n.) A streetwise drinking event that was banned several years ago for being too much fun and its high alcohol consumption. To the average person, this event sounds like a harmless neighborhood gathering. Well it is safe to say they are greatly mistaken. For those Leathernecks lucky to witness such an event of fellow students being taken down by SWAT teams, I envy you. The legacy will live on through alumni stories and YouTube videos for generations to come. Hey, maybe one day we can bring it back!
7. Q-Lot: (n). A gigantic parking lot that has a worse reputation than ISU students on campus. For the many people that have never heard this term or endured a walk through this paved hell should count their blessings. It is impossible to park without a pass because we swear that Western is trying to replace budget cuts with parking tickets. Also, ice skates should be given to every new freshman as walking across Q-Lot in the winter is just a little slippery!
8. The Forum: (n). A bar/nightclub that hosts the biggest themed parties and boasts the highest B.A.C. levels of theMidwest. Outsiders may be thinking of a newspaper when a WIU student mentions the forum. How wrong they just are! From events such as Around the World to dance floor orgies to fire code violations this is the place to be on a Saturday night. And you can never go wrong with sneaking in some iced tea to mix with your "strong islands" or bringing a change of shoes.
9. Macombie homie: (n). A person who permanently lives in Macomb and probably still believes the world is flat. When WIU students go off campus to buy groceries, visit friends, go out to eat, or something else they come across the locals. Most of these locals are normal, but a few of them are some very "unique" people.
10. Drunk bus; "Blackout bus": (n.) Buses that go around at night that transport highly intoxicated students and somehow always elicit USA and other comical chants. One of the greatest inventions ever had to be the drunk bus. Students of WIU are very blessed to have such luxurious automobiles to rely on during nights that they won't remember in the morning. People not native to Macomb will envy the free rides and experiences that only the drunk bus can provide. Just make sure not to fall asleep or else you will be walking home. Also, the handles on the ceiling are not monkey bars!
Always remember, it's a great day to be a Leatherneck!
