Wow it got real ugly here, realy quick. i never knew there was such hostility surrounding the word frat. hmm...now i know.

me neither...well I did, but it wasnt a huge deal on my campus but since it is here, *hides under desk*

Re: golly, sing to us
 

I'm not sure why a simple explanation of why some people use the word "frat" (which was the question you asked); an acknowledgment that some people (including you) find the word offensive; a statement that some people use the word intending to be derrogatory and some people use it innocently; and an acknowledgment that I do not use the word but am not offended by it unless the speaker means for it to be derrogatory made it seem necessary to attack (1) my competence in using the English language, (2) my ability to get a job, (3) my FRATERNITY experience, or (4) my maturity. (By the way, not clear if your "last kid off the bus" comment is aimed at me or my Fraternity, but just in case it's the latter, you might want to know that we were founded the year before TKE.)

It's a real shame, Erik. You have a great deal of worthwhile knowledge and experience to share, but when all of that is wrapped in sophomoric rants and totally baseless judgments on people you've never even seen and on their Greek experiences, you can expect to get tuned out.

Which is what I'm doing on this thread.

Have you guys been hearing the term "Fratty" lately? It's actually used in DC as a compliment . . . like a nice, cute guy. It's not meant to be offensive at all. And things can be "fratty" too - which means it's a good thing.

Thank you, Erik is my alter ego!:D

And Yes, there is a difference of what people are called.

If you will go back on GC History, you will find why Most Fraternities do not like to Be Called Frats=Boys and not Men of Fraternity.

Yes, I am of The Old School! I have Beleifes of what I and Erik speak.

I asked him when I talked last if it hurt to get my Head out of His Ass, Well no it didnt.

how about yours??:rolleyes:

When was the last time your Soroity were called sluts, whores, pigs or Your Fraternity was called Fags, pretty boys?:confused:

Just hang in there all of you macho Greek Posters!:)

Come on, you can get more stereotypical than that... how about the last time they were called Drunks?

Fraterday
 

At Purdue the word frat has been embraced by the (self-proclaimed) frat boys.

They have Fraterday (an all-day low-key party (really more of a bunch of sorority girls and guys hanging out on the front lawn) on a nice day) in which there is a great Fratmosphere and everyone has a Frattastic time. I've asked friends at other schools if they do this and they've never heard of it; maybe someone else has?

Often when there aren't enough people outside socializing someone will say, "it's not fratty enough out here!" and recruit more people to join.

They all refer to their house as "the frat house" and to each other as frat boys.

Basically, I think everyone should have this sense of humor; the word frat isn't going away any time soon. And if non-greeks know it bugs us, well, theyre going to use it even more!

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

-Rudey

Ditto!

This needs to be repeated. I could give two shizzles about "frat."

Gosh, do you have to cuss???? :p

And I think Fraterday and Fratmosphere are the greatest words since "smash" and "hot like fire."

I sometimes say "frat" but only when I dont want to say the whole word, call it lazy, but I dont mean it bad any way. The fraternities at my school do get mad when they are called frats, BUT the fraternities I hang out with at another school do call themselves a frat. I dont understand why they do that after reading everyone's post about this abbreviation.

I don't use the word Frat because, at least to me, it has a bad conotation. However I'm not hung up on it and tend to overlook it if others use it. It's just my personal feeling and decision.

In terms of its use by our Black and Latin Greek brothers, who am I to question their traditions?

Erik,

I still haven't seen you specifically reply to the people who have said that NIC orgs and NPHC orgs use the term in different manners. Are you saying that "frat" should not be used by any org? If so, what do you have to say about the NPHC, LGLO and MCGLO traditions?

Oh Lawd! I could give a rats anal cavity about what he thinks about our traditions. I will not stop calling my brothers FRAT unless a message comes from 1734 New Hampshire NW saying otherwise.:p

Devil's Advocate
 

LOL! I feel ya on that but I'd still like to hear what the man has to say. I mean, would how would he react if we were critiquing the traditions of the entire NIC as he is doing to other broad organizations? Hmmm...I wonder...come to think of it, it kinda bothers me how NIC groups have houses. And, we all know that houses just breed parties. :rolleyes: That space would serve a much better purpose by being a parking lot since we know colleges/universities have such an issue with parking.

(Disclaimer: The last three statements were for emphasis, not my actual opinion. I cried during Recruitment when I got to see my mother's chapter's Pi Beta Phi house - I love houses!)

if i had a dime everytime this thread was started......

My statement bears repeating. I'll even throw in some qualifiers for free.

1) I often use the word frat.
2) I served my chapter in 4 different officer positions as an undergrad.
3) I served as recruitment chair of IFC.
4) I am an active alumni in good standing with my fraternity.
5) I was asked by the headquarters of my fraternity to serve as an advisor to a colony.
6) I have served as VP of the local alumni association.
7) I am now hold a directorship position on our alumni association's board of directors.
8) I believe myself to be both educated and respected.
9) I will continue to use the term frat as long as I feel liek using it. As a matter of spite and becasue I like them, I have just added the terms Fraterday and Fratastic to my lexicon.

I wish that Thursday could be Fraterday...

Instead of thirsty Thursday it could just be Fraterday! :p

run it's course....
 

well, we certainly have differing opinions on the usage of the
word "frat," So be it.
Language varies, true, but out in the varied scenes we use what
is acceptable.
Some of us judge folks by their language. No matter whether it
be heritage, habit or whatever, we all make judgements.
Shall we move on?

I agree here with MysticCat81.

However, I would like to add (point out more specifically) that many fraternity men feel that referring to their brotherhood as a "frat" is a sign of disrespect. Regardless if it was not intended as such. And that the inappropriate use of "frat" speaks volumes about the person and may reflect poorly on the organization(s) they represent.

As such, if I may offer a piece of advice. Unless you know FOR A FACT that your use of "frat" will not be considered - either real or perceived - in a negative light, then it is best not to do so.

:)

This is great advice under any circumstances for any word!! I am offended when I hear/see the word "ghey" for example but I wouldn't begin to try to stop anyone from using it. Too often, people don't get why words are offensive or they just don't care.

Yes as well as fratastic. ;)

ALSO sorority still has two Rs, not just one.

In this case, listen to the message, not the messenger. Erik may not put it across as nicely as he could, but I agree with him. It's not the same as "Philly" or "MIT" - I've never heard of anyone from either of those being upset about the use of those terms.

I've been told by fraternity men at my school (hardly the political correctness haven of the USA) that they find it offensive, so that's reason enough for me never to use it again. Sigma Chis have told me they don't like "Sig Chi" so I don't use that either.

You're right - some people do find it offensive - when I was undergrad I would get more upset about it too.

However as time has gone on it's not something that bothers me as much...I would never refer to myself as a "frat boy" in a professional setting, for instance, but will sometimes talk about the "frat house" or our undergrad "frat days" with some of my buddies.

I think it really depends on who you are as to your comfort with the phrase.