The word "frat"

meliss · #1 09-05-2002, 03:32 PM

Okay I don't want to *start anything* but I was just thinking about this, everyone agrees that the word "frat" is derogatory (and believe me I always use fraternity) but if it is so bad to shorten it (ie would you call your country a "count"?) just about every fraternity has a nickname... Delts, Kappa sigs, SAE's, pikes, Sig Eps. the list goes on. Again I don't want people to get angry I just want to see how they would respond.

FuzzieAlum · #2 09-05-2002, 04:07 PM

I think the problem many people have with "frat" is that it's used in a derogatory way. "Oh, I don't go to Pioneer Square, too many frat boys in white baseball caps"; "There was more alcohol at that party than at a kegger at the frat house"; "YOU'RE a frat boy? But you seem so nice!" It is generally not used by members of fraternities.

On the other hand, "Sammy," "Delt," "SigEp" are all used by members of those organizations. Then there are nicknames that might seem reasonable to an outsider but are objected to by the groups themselves - don't call a Sigma Sigma Sigma a tri-Sig, for example. And AXD's national policy is against the nickname "Fuzzies," but there are chapters that use it (and chapters that hate it). I think it's just a matter of respecting their desires. It's like knowing a guy named Robert who hates being called "Bob."

The "country" thing is an attempt at humor, but it's not really parallel. By that argument, it isn't appropriate to nickname anything! We call our country "America," after all, and that's a nickname, too.

jonsagara · #3 09-05-2002, 04:35 PM

The usage of the word "frat" was explained to me as follows:

"You don't call your country a 'cunt,' so don't call your fraternity a 'frat.'"

Tom Earp · #4 09-05-2002, 05:16 PM

Jon, I do not know about Countery and the other.

But You are a Frat Boy

No we are Fraternity Men!

My dear there is a differneCE!

wHAT DO YOU Call a Dorm Rat?

What may you ask is a Dorm Rat/\\\

Someone who dont do s&^$ for the Campus except go to class and exist! So just what has he/she done to befit the School or anyother Org by doing charity work, Homecoming, ETAL!

Besides Spelling and Major screw ups I am totally fine!

violets · #5 09-05-2002, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Then there are nicknames that might seem reasonable to an outsider but are objected to by the groups themselves - don't call a Sigma Sigma Sigma a tri-Sig

I didn't know this. Thanks for alerting us. What is the nickname for SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA?

jonsagara · #6 09-05-2002, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tom Earp
[B]Jon, I do not know about Countery and the other.

I don't either, but it seems to be a very effective analogy. I have never once heard someone in our chapter refer to us as a frat.

My big bro said that to me when I was a brand spanking new associate asking him questions about the "frat." Unfortunately, it sticks with me to this day.

sigtau305 · #7 09-05-2002, 06:08 PM

To me , the word "frat" doesn't offend me too much. the word is used mostly among the nphc fraternities and nobody is offended by it. It's part of the norm. everyone has their own opinion about it. As long as that person respect it, I'm fine with it.

josh8o · #8 09-05-2002, 06:47 PM

to me, within the greek community, the word frat is just a nickname for fraternity--we all know. however, when a random, or my parents, use it to refer to my fraternity i always correct them. If they use it in a demeaning manor i always let them know its not cool.

sigmagrrl · #9 09-05-2002, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by violets

I didn't know this. Thanks for alerting us. What is the nickname for SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA?

We appreciate your asking! It's ok to call us Tri Sigma, Sigma, or Sigma Tri. THANKS!!!!!!!!

CutiePie2000 · #10 09-06-2002, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sigmagrrl
We appreciate your asking! It's ok to call us Tri Sigma, Sigma, or Sigma Tri. THANKS!!!!!!!!

Yes, I learned the hard way that Tri Sigma is fine, Tri Sig is not!

AlphaSigOU · #11 09-06-2002, 08:50 AM

My fraternity's preferred nickname is 'Alpha Sig', though at some campuses they might be known as 'Sigs'.

#12 09-06-2002, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CutiePie2000

Yes, I learned the hard way that Tri Sigma is fine, Tri Sig is not!

Wow, I'm really suprised! The Sigma Sigma Sigma's at my alma mater called themselves Tri-Sigs...

violets · #13 09-06-2002, 01:18 PM

Quote:

We appreciate your asking! It's ok to call us Tri Sigma, Sigma, or Sigma Tri. THANKS!!!!!!!!

Sigma Tri is a fabulous nickname, I love it! Thanks for responding sigmagrrl!

Go Sigma Tri!

Tom Earp · #14 09-06-2002, 06:07 PM

FRAT, A Frat Boy. GDI DAJ!

Fraternity Man is a member of a Fraternity and a Man!

STG What is your? Chapter at PittsBurg St U!?

I always new Tri Sigs at the Pitt!

I was corrected by one of my Brothers Daughters________

They are now Tri Sigmas as there was another Soroity that had Gay Conotations as the Sigmas! Or Tri Sigs!

Hell go figure!
Stait from the hoof and mouth! OKAY DONT GIVE ME SH%T