Why is "frat" a bad thing?

KDbutterfly · #1 10-20-2003, 07:30 PM

Hey, I was just wondering...I'm a recent graduate, and have been in the greek system since my freshman year. I've always wondered something though. Why exactly do some fraternity men get offended when people call their houses "frats"? I've always respected guys who say they want me to call their chapters fraternities, and have done my best to do so, but I honestly don't understand why it's demeaning. What year exactly did the term "frat" become a bad thing? When and why? And please, don't say that you wouldn't call this country a ... you know what, because I've heard it. I just want a clear explanation on the reasons why being called a frat is so offensive. Just curious.

The1calledTKE · #2 10-20-2003, 07:43 PM

Probably because its non greeks that usually say frat and its to talk about the sterotypes of greek life. A fraternity sounds more respectable.

DZHBrown · #3 10-20-2003, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by The1calledTKE
Probably because its non greeks that usually say frat and its to talk about the sterotypes of greek life. A fraternity sounds more respectable.

He said what I was going to say. I hate hearing people talk about "frats".

MeLikey · #4 10-20-2003, 08:38 PM

I don't know why... but I probably used the term "frat" more before I became Greek... now I pretty much always say "fraternity" just out of respect. I can't give you an explanation... maybe because people sometimes mockingly say "frat boys"... it's more respectable to say "fraternity men."

James · #5 10-20-2003, 08:53 PM

I don't think most guys are going to get that upset about it . . . depending on context.

xo_kathy · #6 10-20-2003, 08:54 PM

Not related to the question at hand but...

When I was in school and we went to fraternity parties we always came back with this white stuff on our shoes - it looked sort of like what snow/salt looks like dried on your boots, only it wasn't as crusty...Anyway, we always called that "frat"

As in:
"Wow, will you look at all the "frat" on my new black boots!?!"

AlphaPhiBubbles · #7 10-20-2003, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by xo_kathy
Not related to the question at hand but...

When I was in school and we went to fraternity parties we always came back with this white stuff on our shoes - it looked sort of like what snow/salt looks like dried on your boots, only it wasn't as crusty...Anyway, we always called that "frat"

As in:
"Wow, will you look at all the "frat" on my new black boots!?!"

Ok that's kinda weird and gross...what was that stuff and why did it only appear on your shoes after fraternity parties???

Anyway I am totally guilty of saying 'frat'. Usually i use it to say 'frat boys' referring to those guys in fraternities that act like big a-holes. I never need to say 'frat party' cuz usually I'd be talking about a social anyway...hehe. But I think it does depend on the context, it's not always offensive.

Man I would hate for people to call my sorority a 'sore'.

DZHBrown · #8 10-20-2003, 09:11 PM

Before I was greek, I said something about a frat house or frat party and the guy I was talking to said that he really didn't like the term and would prefer "fraternity" because it was more respectable sounding. I'm not sure if I've ever said it since then! And I think there's a difference between "fraternity boys" and "fraternity men".

DeltAlum · #9 10-20-2003, 09:22 PM

Using the term "frat" is not the end of the world, but I do think "fraternity" sounds a lot better -- so that's what I always use.

Tom Earp · #10 10-20-2003, 09:34 PM

Frat is for Boys and generaly used by GDI's!

I am not a Frat Boy, I am a Fraternity Man!

If you are not a Soroity Lady What are You????

What amazed me is why you even asked!

bethany1982 · #11 10-20-2003, 10:57 PM

There are fraternity men, and then there are frat boys. I always give them the benefit of the doubt (that they are men), but some do not keep it very long. I would never refer to a fraternity as a "frat" but the term seems to fit some of the individual guys.

TexasAGD · #12 10-20-2003, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AlphaPhiBubbles
Man I would hate for people to call my sorority a 'sore'.

Exactly! I once had a conversation with a guy friend about this and he told me that I should always use fraternity instead of "frat" because the guys just don't like it. He told me that if the world "frat" is used then its the same as calling your mother a mut and your country your cunt. now would you want that?

hoosier · #13 10-20-2003, 11:17 PM

Back in the dark ages when I was a pledge, the national's pledge manual had a large headline "Don't say frat!"

And most members never say it.

Worst of all, it rhymes with "rat"

KDbutterfly · #14 10-21-2003, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tom Earp

What amazed me is why you even asked!

I asked because I was curious. The word "frat" just doesn't seem derogatory to me. In fact, I have some guy friends who prefer that I call their house a frat, just because they think trying to avoid using that word was rather ridiculous and PC. I was just curious on getting everyone else's opinions on it.

Bruce_Lee · #15 10-21-2003, 12:40 AM

i personally say and write frat because i cant even spell fraternity