Lambda Chi Alpha

[docroc67]

I have been a member of Lambda Chi Alpha for over 40 years and have heard "Lamb Chop" used as a derogatory term from time to time. It did start a serious fight or two during my undergraduate years. But, I know most fraternities and sororities are also referred to by unfavorable plays on their Greek names or letters. Nothing really new here....

However, "Choppers," has at least two other origins. Back in the late 1950s to the mid-1960s, many Lambda Chi Chapters had "Chopper Balls" that featured a Gangster theme. Imagine the guys in trench coats, wide brimed hats, cigars in mouth, and "tommy guns" in hand! Some chapters would even use vintage 1920 and 1930 era cars to drive their "kidnapped" dates to the dance! The ladies would wear "flapper-style" dresses and fashion their hair and make-up in the 20s or early 1930s style.... By the way, "Chopper" was the common nick-name for a machine gun....

A more recent take on the term "Chopper," from the mid-1970s to today, was the "Wood Chopper Ball" with its lumberjack theme. Lots of axes, plaid, and phony Canadian or far north American accents. Easy to pull together and lots of fun.

But, can you imagine kidnapping, machine guns, bootleg gin, homemade beer, or even axes today? I didn't think so....

I really don't mind being called a Chopper, on the other hand....

Interfraternally,

Mike, "Now, Where Did I Leave That Trench Coat?," Raymond
Zeta-Upsilon Zeta