List of Texas Aggie terms
Encyclopedia
Many terms are unique to, or hold a special meaning connected with, Texas A&M University
in College Station
, Texas
. The University, often called A&M or TAMU, is a coeducation
al public
research
university
and is the flagship institution of the Texas A&M University System
. It opened in 1876 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, the first public institution of higher education
in that state. In 1963, the Texas Legislature
renamed the school to Texas A&M University to reflect the institution's expanded roles and academic offerings. The letters "A&M" no longer have any explicit meaning but are retained as a link to the university's past.
As a Senior Military College
, Texas A&M is one of three public universities with a full-time, volunteer Corps of Cadets
. It provides more commissioned officers
to the United States Armed Forces
than any other school outside the service academies.
Texas A&M University's unique history
as an all male military institution has led to a unique traditions
and terminology. Some phrases come from traditions that include Aggie Bonfire
and the athletics
program. Others phrases are locations and landmarks around the campus
. While most of these terms are used exclusively by Aggies, some are used by the university's rivals. Terms exclusively used by the Corps of Cadets are not included to narrow the list size.
2 Percenters: Aggies who choose not to participate in Texas A&M traditions
.
12th Man
: The student section in athletics events.
Aggie: A student, alumnus, or supporter of Texas A&M University. Several other land grant schools use "Aggie", such as New Mexico State and University of California, Davis
. The term is often used in its abbreviated form, "Ag".
"Aggies never lose, though they may run out of time": This quote or a variation is said after losing efforts. It gives voice to the idea that the team would have eventually won if the game would have gone on longer.
Aggieland: Name for Texas A&M and the surrounding metropolitan area, Bryan–College Station, Texas
. The phrase, "Welcome to Aggieland", was at the center of one of the university's marketing campaigns.
Batt: Short for the school newspaper
, The Battalion
.
Aggie Bonfire
(or Bonfire): A large bonfire
built before the annual college football
game against The University of Texas at Austin. Bonfire symbolizes a "burning desire to beat the hell outta t.u." Aggie Bonfire at one time held the world record for the height of a bonfire at 109 ft, 10 in (33 m) tall. Due to the 18 November 1999 collapse of a Bonfire that killed 12 and injured 27, recent non-university sanctioned Bonfires, called Student Bonfires, are now performed off-campus.
BQ: Member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band
, colloquially Band Queer, etymologically
Band Qualified.
Bull: Active duty member (usually officer) in one of the U.S. armed services.
: Short for a popular bar, Dixie Chicken, in the entertainment district, Northgate.
Aggie Code of Honor: Texas A&M's honor code
: "Aggies do not lie, cheat, or steal, nor do they tolerate those who do." The code is similar to the Cadet Honor Code
used at the United States Military Academy
.
Corps: Short for the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets
, Texas A&M's military college program. Though Reserve Officers' Training Corps
(ROTC) is mandatory for the first two years, military service is not.
Cut: The initial phase of Aggie Bonfire construction in which students cut down logs.
CT: Member of the Corps that are not in the band
. Colloquially "Corps Turd," etymologically "Cadet in Training".
: A tradition in which the senior class walks around campus to remember the times they had at Texas A&M.
Fightin' Texas Aggie: Common prefix
used for things related to A&M. For example, the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band.
Fish: A freshman student.
Fish Camp: An optional student led four–day retreat for incoming freshmen held before the student's fall semester that introduces them to the traditions of Texas A&M University. Transfer
students can attend a separate retreat called "T-Camp", and first time Texas A&M students coming in spring semester can attend "Howdy Camp".
Fish Pond: A fountain on the Texas A&M campus that is the part of several traditions.
Former Student: Aggie graduates refer to themselves as "former students" rather than alumni because not all Aggies graduated due to military needs during the World War
s. Another reason why Aggies use "former students" is that it is felt that "alumni" implies that graduates are "ex-Aggies". Aggies believe in the concept "once an Aggie, always an Aggie", and thus "alumni" would not be appropriate. The Association of Former Students
is the university's equivalent of an alumni association
.
FOW (Freshman Orientation Week): Mandatory first week in the Corps just before school starts in the Fall semester for incoming freshmen cadets or Fish.
Frog: Cadet in the corps who enlisted after being a freshmen.
"From the outside looking in you can't understand it, and from the inside looking out you can't explain it": Phrase used to describe the difficulty outsiders have understanding Texas A&M culture, and Aggies have articulating their passion for Texas A&M.
Gig 'em: Both a saying and the thumbs up hand gesture of all Texas A&M University current and former students as sign of affiliation. Gig 'em also is the name of an Aggie yell.
Good Bull: Anything that conforms to the traditions of Texas A&M.
Grodes: The jeans and t-shirts worn by students who worked on Aggie Bonfire. Grodes were typically not washed until Bonfire burned, if ever.
argument used in response to complaints made about Texas A&M, meaning that those who do not like the university are free to leave. Highway 6 refers to the major highway within the Bryan–College Station area.
Hiss (or horse laugh) : Rather than "booing", Aggies "hiss" to express disapproval. Aggies are not supposed to boo as a "sign of class", and are not supposed to hiss a fellow Ag. Hissing is a part of a yell called a horse laugh, and usually is accompanied with a hand signal that consists of one's fingers open and palms clasped together, shaken backward and forward.
"Holler House on the Brazos": Another name for G. Rollie White Coliseum. Term rarely used after basketball and volleyball games moved to Reed Arena.
Howdy: Texas A&M University's official greeting. Students are encouraged to greet everyone they pass on campus with a smile and a howdy. Howdy is the preferred method for a speaker to get a large group's attention, as the members of the group are expected to return the "Howdy" back to the speaker.
Hullabaloo, Caneck! Caneck!: Beginning phrase of the Aggie War Hymn. The lyrics are an onomatopoeic representation of the sound a cannon being loaded, or also the sound of a train rolling through town since there is a train track that splits the campus.
Hump it (or Humping it): During a yell, the crowd leans forward and places their hands on their knees to maximize the noise and so that those standing behind them can see.
Aggie jokes: Jokes used against Texas A&M and Aggies, similar to jokes
used against ethnic minorities usually with a connotation of a lack of intelligence or unsophistication.
Jollie Rollie: Nickname of G. Rollie White Coliseum
.
Maroon
: The official color of Texas A&M along with white. The University's specific trademark color is a custom Pantone
color, Aggie Maroon (Hex
#500000). Maroon Out is an official university tradition. Each year, one football game each season is dubbed an official Maroon Out event and discounted maroon t-shirts are offered for sale to fans to fill the stadium with the Texas A&M color. The word "maroon" is used in other contexts, such as the name a student publication, the Maroon Weekly.
Mug down: Kissing one's date during yell practices
and football games.
Muster
: Tradition on April 21, San Jacinto Day
in which Aggies from all over the world meet with each other and honor those Aggies who have died that year.
MSC: Short for the Memorial Student Center, Texas A&M's student activity center
.
Non-reg: A student who is not in the Corps of Cadets.
Northgate: A business and entertainment district located north of the Texas A&M campus.
Northside: Location of residence halls on campus near Northgate.
Old Ag: Synonymous for a former Texas A&M student.
Ol' Army (or Old Army): Term referring to Texas A&M's past.
Other education: A term describing what Aggie students learn outside the classroom though extracurricular activities and through living life.
Pisshead: A nickname for a sophomore cadet.
Poor Aggies: Used to taunt Aggies after an athletic loss from opponents.
Pots: Hard hat
s worn by Aggie Bonfire builders. The color of a student's pot identified their role in bonfire construction
.
Privilege (SP, JP, ZP): A ranking system based on one's class year with determines what traditions and Aggie student is allowed to perform. The privilege levels are, SP, JP, and ZP's, sophomore, junior, and senior privileges respectively. Freshmen have "fish privileges". In the Corps, one's privilege level has an enormous effect on a cadet's lifestyle. Some rules like the wildcatting or whooping extend to non-regs.
Pull out: Using a privileged word not available to your class; for example, sophomores saying "Whoop."
Push: a) A form of punishment consisting of pushups, especially after pulling out. In the Corps when students do a "class set" of pushups, one for each year of their class. The Class of 1945 did only 45 pushups, but the Class of 2013 now does 113.
for a major rule violation. (v) To receive demerits.
RAggies: Aggie baseball fans.
Red Ass: Students who closely follow the Aggie traditions and rules.
Reed Arena
: The university's arena
.
Reed Rowdies
: Official fan club
of Texas A&M basketball teams
.
Reveille
: The Texas A&M mascot, a purebred American collie. Reveille is the highest ranking member of the Corps of Cadets.
Ring dunk: A non school sanctioned tradition performed after a student receives an Aggie Ring; usually involves chugging a pitcher of beer, or a non-alcoholic substitute, with their Aggie Ring in the bottom then catching the ring in their teeth.
as their mascot.
Sea Aggies (or Sea Ags): Students or alumni of the school's branch campus, Texas A&M University at Galveston
.
Senior Boots: Distinctive brown leather boots worn by Corps seniors, or Zips.
Serge Butt: A nickname for a junior cadet. Refers to the "serge" material used in making pants for juniors pre-1960. Usually abbreviated as just "butts."
Singing Cadets
: An all male choir
at A&M, called the "Voice of Aggieland".
Silver Taps: A ceremony, held monthly, to honor all currently-enrolled students who died in the previous month.
"Sit down bus driver": An Aggie Yell used in athletic events to taunt opposing team's coaches
when they are arguing with an official or otherwise holding up the game. "Bus driver" refers to the fact that coaches used to drive the buses for road games.
Southside: Residence halls on the far southeast portion of campus.
Aggie Spirit (or Spirit of Aggieland
): Abstract term that describes the unity and devotion Aggies have for their school and to each other. "The Spirit" also refers to the school song
, The Spirit of Aggieland.
Stack: The third phase of Aggie Bonfire construction, where students would wire the logs together in their final shape.
Sully (or Sul Ross): Short for former Texas A&M President, Lawrence Sullivan Ross
. Modern usage generally refers to the prominent statue of him.
Tea-sip (or t-sip): A student of Texas A&M's archrival, The University of Texas at Austin.
t.u.: What Aggies call The University of Texas at Austin, normally abbreviated UT, the main rival school to Texas A&M University. Term is intended to be derogatory. Aggies maintain that UT is "a" university in Texas not "the" university of Texas. The t.u. therefore stands for "texas university", with the lowercase letters being an added insult.
Aggie War Hymn: Texas A&M's fight song
.
Whip Out (or Whipping Out): The tradition of freshmen in the Corps of Cadets introducing themselves to upperclassman in the Corps.
White
: The second official Texas A&M color. White Out is a basketball tradition. Unlike football games, where Aggie fans wear Maroon, the basketball crowds wear white.
"Whoop": An exclamation of approval and excitement, especially used at the end of a yell. Only juniors and seniors have the privilege to "Whoop".
Wildcat: A noise and a hand motion made after an Aggie yell. Each class uses a different wildcat based on seniority.
Wrecking Crew: Name given to defenses of the football team
. The term became popular during in 80s and the 90s. Many fans, coaches, and sports analysts feel that recent Aggie defenses have not "earned" the title.
Aggie Yells: Synchronized cheers done at Aggie sporting events.
Yell Leaders: Texas A&M's equivalent of cheerleaders
– These elected students, three seniors and two juniors, lead the student body in synchronized yells throughout all sporting events and yell practices. While all yell leaders on the main campus have been male, a female has served as one at the school's branch campus in Galveston
.
Yell practice: A Texas A&M event that is similar to a pep rally
. The most notable yell practices, Midnight Yell, occurs the night before home football games.
s of seniors in the Corps of Cadets, which resembles a zipper.
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University is a coeducational public research university located in College Station, Texas . It is the flagship institution of the Texas A&M University System. The sixth-largest university in the United States, A&M's enrollment for Fall 2011 was over 50,000 for the first time in school...
in College Station
College Station, Texas
College Station is a city in Brazos County, Texas, situated in East Central Texas in the heart of the Brazos Valley. The city is located within the most populated region of Texas, near three of the 10 largest cities in the United States - Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio...
, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
. The University, often called A&M or TAMU, is a coeducation
Coeducation
Mixed-sex education, also known as coeducation or co-education, is the integrated education of male and female persons in the same institution. It is the opposite of single-sex education...
al public
Public university
A public university is a university that is predominantly funded by public means through a national or subnational government, as opposed to private universities. A national university may or may not be considered a public university, depending on regions...
research
Research
Research can be defined as the scientific search for knowledge, or as any systematic investigation, to establish novel facts, solve new or existing problems, prove new ideas, or develop new theories, usually using a scientific method...
university
University
A university is an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees in a variety of subjects. A university is an organisation that provides both undergraduate education and postgraduate education...
and is the flagship institution of the Texas A&M University System
Texas A&M University System
The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the United States. Through a statewide network of eleven universities, eight state agencies and a comprehensive health science center, the Texas A&M System educates over 100,000 students, conducts more than $600...
. It opened in 1876 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, the first public institution of higher education
Higher education
Higher, post-secondary, tertiary, or third level education refers to the stage of learning that occurs at universities, academies, colleges, seminaries, and institutes of technology...
in that state. In 1963, the Texas Legislature
Texas Legislature
The Legislature of the state of Texas is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Texas. The legislature is a bicameral body composed of a 31-member Senate and a 150-member House of Representatives. The Legislature meets at the Capitol in Austin...
renamed the school to Texas A&M University to reflect the institution's expanded roles and academic offerings. The letters "A&M" no longer have any explicit meaning but are retained as a link to the university's past.
As a Senior Military College
Senior Military College
In the United States, a Senior Military College is one of six colleges that offer military Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs and are specifically recognized under 10 USC 2111a...
, Texas A&M is one of three public universities with a full-time, volunteer Corps of Cadets
Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets
The Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets is a student military organization at Texas A&M University...
. It provides more commissioned officers
Officer (armed forces)
An officer is a member of an armed force or uniformed service who holds a position of authority. Commissioned officers derive authority directly from a sovereign power and, as such, hold a commission charging them with the duties and responsibilities of a specific office or position...
to the United States Armed Forces
United States armed forces
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The United States has a strong tradition of civilian control of the military...
than any other school outside the service academies.
Texas A&M University's unique history
History of Texas A&M University
The history of Texas A&M University, the first public institution of higher education in Texas, began in 1871, when the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas was established as a land-grant college by the Texas Legislature. Classes began on October 4, 1876...
as an all male military institution has led to a unique traditions
Traditions of Texas A&M University
The traditions of Texas A&M University are a key aspect of the culture of Texas A&M University. Some of the school traditions date to the 1890s, shortly after the opening of the school, while others have been introduced more recently...
and terminology. Some phrases come from traditions that include Aggie Bonfire
Aggie Bonfire
Aggie Bonfire was a long-standing tradition at Texas A&M University as part of the college rivalry with the University of Texas at Austin. For 90 years, Texas A&M students—known as Aggies—built and burned a bonfire on campus each autumn...
and the athletics
Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M Aggies refers to the students, graduates, and sports teams of Texas A&M University. The nickname "Aggie" is common at land-grant or "Ag" schools in many states. The teams compete in Division I of NCAA sports...
program. Others phrases are locations and landmarks around the campus
Campus of Texas A&M University
The campus of Texas A&M University, also known as Aggieland, is situated in College Station, Texas, USA. Aggieland is centrally located within 200 miles of three of the 10 largest cities in the United States and 75% of the Texas and Louisiana populations...
. While most of these terms are used exclusively by Aggies, some are used by the university's rivals. Terms exclusively used by the Corps of Cadets are not included to narrow the list size.
0–9
Traditions of Texas A&M University
The traditions of Texas A&M University are a key aspect of the culture of Texas A&M University. Some of the school traditions date to the 1890s, shortly after the opening of the school, while others have been introduced more recently...
.
12th Man
12th Man (football)
The 12th man or 12th player is a term used to describe the fans within a stadium during association football or American football games. This term has a different meaning in cricket, referring to the first substitute player who fields when a member of the fielding side is injured...
: The student section in athletics events.
A
A&M: The initials are part of institution's original name, the "Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas". Term no longer has any explicit meaning in the modern institution's name, but it remains as a link to the institution's past.Aggie: A student, alumnus, or supporter of Texas A&M University. Several other land grant schools use "Aggie", such as New Mexico State and University of California, Davis
University of California, Davis
The University of California, Davis is a public teaching and research university established in 1905 and located in Davis, California, USA. Spanning over , the campus is the largest within the University of California system and third largest by enrollment...
. The term is often used in its abbreviated form, "Ag".
"Aggies never lose, though they may run out of time": This quote or a variation is said after losing efforts. It gives voice to the idea that the team would have eventually won if the game would have gone on longer.
Aggieland: Name for Texas A&M and the surrounding metropolitan area, Bryan–College Station, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
. The phrase, "Welcome to Aggieland", was at the center of one of the university's marketing campaigns.
B
Bad Bull: Anything not in keeping with Aggie traditions or the Aggie spirit.Batt: Short for the school newspaper
Student newspaper
A student newspaper is a newspaper run by students of a university, high school, middle school, or other school. These papers traditionally cover local and, primarily, school or university news....
, The Battalion
The Battalion
The Battalion is the student newspaper of Texas A&M University. Started in 1893 as a monthly publication, it continues to this day, now as a daily paper. The first paper at Texas A&M University was the Texas Collegian published in 1878...
.
Aggie Bonfire
Aggie Bonfire
Aggie Bonfire was a long-standing tradition at Texas A&M University as part of the college rivalry with the University of Texas at Austin. For 90 years, Texas A&M students—known as Aggies—built and burned a bonfire on campus each autumn...
(or Bonfire): A large bonfire
Bonfire
A bonfire is a controlled outdoor fire used for informal disposal of burnable waste material or as part of a celebration. Celebratory bonfires are typically designed to burn quickly and may be very large...
built before the annual college football
College football
College football refers to American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian football played by teams of student athletes fielded by Canadian universities...
game against The University of Texas at Austin. Bonfire symbolizes a "burning desire to beat the hell outta t.u." Aggie Bonfire at one time held the world record for the height of a bonfire at 109 ft, 10 in (33 m) tall. Due to the 18 November 1999 collapse of a Bonfire that killed 12 and injured 27, recent non-university sanctioned Bonfires, called Student Bonfires, are now performed off-campus.
BQ: Member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band
Fightin' Texas Aggie Band
The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band is the official marching band of Texas A&M University. Composed of over 300 men and women from the school's Corps of Cadets, it is the largest military marching band in the world...
, colloquially Band Queer, etymologically
Etymology
Etymology is the study of the history of words, their origins, and how their form and meaning have changed over time.For languages with a long written history, etymologists make use of texts in these languages and texts about the languages to gather knowledge about how words were used during...
Band Qualified.
Bull: Active duty member (usually officer) in one of the U.S. armed services.
C
The ChickenDixie Chicken (bar)
The Dixie Chicken, also known as The Chicken, has been "College Station's most famous watering hole since 1974," and is notable for its role in Texas A&M University tradition...
: Short for a popular bar, Dixie Chicken, in the entertainment district, Northgate.
Aggie Code of Honor: Texas A&M's honor code
Honor code
An honour code or honour system is a set of rules or principles governing a community based on a set of rules or ideals that define what constitutes honorable behavior within that community. The use of an honor code depends on the idea that people can be trusted to act honorably...
: "Aggies do not lie, cheat, or steal, nor do they tolerate those who do." The code is similar to the Cadet Honor Code
Cadet Honor Code
Both the United States Military Academy and the United States Air Force Academy have adopted a Cadet Honor Code as a formalized statement of the minimum standard of ethics expected of cadets. Other military schools have similar codes with their own methods of administration...
used at the United States Military Academy
United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
.
Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets
The Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets is a student military organization at Texas A&M University...
, Texas A&M's military college program. Though Reserve Officers' Training Corps
Reserve Officers' Training Corps
The Reserve Officers' Training Corps is a college-based, officer commissioning program, predominantly in the United States. It is designed as a college elective that focuses on leadership development, problem solving, strategic planning, and professional ethics.The U.S...
(ROTC) is mandatory for the first two years, military service is not.
Cut: The initial phase of Aggie Bonfire construction in which students cut down logs.
CT: Member of the Corps that are not in the band
Fightin' Texas Aggie Band
The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band is the official marching band of Texas A&M University. Composed of over 300 men and women from the school's Corps of Cadets, it is the largest military marching band in the world...
. Colloquially "Corps Turd," etymologically "Cadet in Training".
D
Dead (or Dead Elephant): Term that refers to senior undergraduates during their last semester. Word is a senior privilege.E
Elephant WalkElephant Walk (Texas A&M)
Elephant Walk is a tradition at Texas A&M University in which the senior class walks around campus to remember the good times they had at Texas A&M. This tradition generally takes place the week before the Texas football game...
: A tradition in which the senior class walks around campus to remember the times they had at Texas A&M.
F
"Farmers fight": Phrase used in several Aggie Yells.Fightin' Texas Aggie: Common prefix
Prefix
A prefix is an affix which is placed before the root of a word. Particularly in the study of languages,a prefix is also called a preformative, because it alters the form of the words to which it is affixed.Examples of prefixes:...
used for things related to A&M. For example, the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band.
Fish: A freshman student.
Fish Camp: An optional student led four–day retreat for incoming freshmen held before the student's fall semester that introduces them to the traditions of Texas A&M University. Transfer
College transfer
College transfer is the movement of students from one higher education institution to another and the process by which academic credits are accepted or not accepted by a receiving institution.-Background:...
students can attend a separate retreat called "T-Camp", and first time Texas A&M students coming in spring semester can attend "Howdy Camp".
Fish Pond: A fountain on the Texas A&M campus that is the part of several traditions.
Former Student: Aggie graduates refer to themselves as "former students" rather than alumni because not all Aggies graduated due to military needs during the World War
World war
A world war is a war affecting the majority of the world's most powerful and populous nations. World wars span multiple countries on multiple continents, with battles fought in multiple theaters....
s. Another reason why Aggies use "former students" is that it is felt that "alumni" implies that graduates are "ex-Aggies". Aggies believe in the concept "once an Aggie, always an Aggie", and thus "alumni" would not be appropriate. The Association of Former Students
The Association of Former Students
The Association of Former Students is the official alumni association of Texas A&M University. The Association attracts over 400,000 members and has 242 clubs worldwide...
is the university's equivalent of an alumni association
Alumni association
An alumni association is an association of graduates or, more broadly, of former students. In the United Kingdom and the United States, alumni of universities, colleges, schools , fraternities, and sororities often form groups with alumni from the same organisation...
.
FOW (Freshman Orientation Week): Mandatory first week in the Corps just before school starts in the Fall semester for incoming freshmen cadets or Fish.
Frog: Cadet in the corps who enlisted after being a freshmen.
"From the outside looking in you can't understand it, and from the inside looking out you can't explain it": Phrase used to describe the difficulty outsiders have understanding Texas A&M culture, and Aggies have articulating their passion for Texas A&M.
G
Good Bull: Anything that conforms to the traditions of Texas A&M.
Grodes: The jeans and t-shirts worn by students who worked on Aggie Bonfire. Grodes were typically not washed until Bonfire burned, if ever.
H
"Highway 6 runs both ways": A contractarianSocial contract
The social contract is an intellectual device intended to explain the appropriate relationship between individuals and their governments. Social contract arguments assert that individuals unite into political societies by a process of mutual consent, agreeing to abide by common rules and accept...
argument used in response to complaints made about Texas A&M, meaning that those who do not like the university are free to leave. Highway 6 refers to the major highway within the Bryan–College Station area.
Hiss (or horse laugh) : Rather than "booing", Aggies "hiss" to express disapproval. Aggies are not supposed to boo as a "sign of class", and are not supposed to hiss a fellow Ag. Hissing is a part of a yell called a horse laugh, and usually is accompanied with a hand signal that consists of one's fingers open and palms clasped together, shaken backward and forward.
"Holler House on the Brazos": Another name for G. Rollie White Coliseum. Term rarely used after basketball and volleyball games moved to Reed Arena.
Howdy: Texas A&M University's official greeting. Students are encouraged to greet everyone they pass on campus with a smile and a howdy. Howdy is the preferred method for a speaker to get a large group's attention, as the members of the group are expected to return the "Howdy" back to the speaker.
Hullabaloo, Caneck! Caneck!: Beginning phrase of the Aggie War Hymn. The lyrics are an onomatopoeic representation of the sound a cannon being loaded, or also the sound of a train rolling through town since there is a train track that splits the campus.
Hump it (or Humping it): During a yell, the crowd leans forward and places their hands on their knees to maximize the noise and so that those standing behind them can see.
J
Ethnic joke
An ethnic joke is a humorous remark relating to an ethnic, racial or cultural group, often referring to a stereotype of the group in question for its punchline....
used against ethnic minorities usually with a connotation of a lack of intelligence or unsophistication.
Jollie Rollie: Nickname of G. Rollie White Coliseum
G. Rollie White Coliseum
The G. Rollie White Coliseum is an on-campus arena at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, in the United States. Often referred to as the "Jollie Rollie" or "The Holler House on the Brazos," the arena was the home of Texas A&M's Aggie volleyball team, which played there since its...
.
L
Load: The second phase of Aggie Bonfire construction in which the newly cut logs were brought back to campus.M
Maroon (color)
Maroon is a dark red color.-Etymology:Maroon is derived from French marron .The first recorded use of maroon as a color name in English was in 1789.-Maroon :...
: The official color of Texas A&M along with white. The University's specific trademark color is a custom Pantone
Pantone
Pantone Inc. is a corporation headquartered in Carlstadt, New Jersey, USA. The company is best known for its Pantone Matching System , a proprietary color space...
color, Aggie Maroon (Hex
Web colors
Web colors are colors used in designing web pages, and the methods for describing and specifying those colors. Hexadecimal color codes begin with a hash ....
#500000). Maroon Out is an official university tradition. Each year, one football game each season is dubbed an official Maroon Out event and discounted maroon t-shirts are offered for sale to fans to fill the stadium with the Texas A&M color. The word "maroon" is used in other contexts, such as the name a student publication, the Maroon Weekly.
Mug down: Kissing one's date during yell practices
Midnight Yell Practice
Midnight Yell Practice, known locally as Midnight Yell or Yell Practice, is a tradition at Texas A&M University. Midnight Yell is similar to a pep rally. On the night before each home football game, Midnight Yell takes place in Kyle Field at midnight; two nights before each away game, Midnight...
and football games.
Muster
Muster (Texas A&M University)
Aggie Muster is a time-honored tradition at Texas A&M University. Muster officially began on April 21, 1922 as a day for remembrance of fellow Aggies. Muster ceremonies today take place in approximately 320 locations globally including Kabul, Afghanistan, and Baghdad, Iraq. The largest muster...
: Tradition on April 21, San Jacinto Day
San Jacinto Day
San Jacinto Day is the celebration of the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. It was the final battle of the Texas Revolution where Texas won its independencefrom Mexico....
in which Aggies from all over the world meet with each other and honor those Aggies who have died that year.
MSC: Short for the Memorial Student Center, Texas A&M's student activity center
Student activity center
A student activity center is a type of building found on university campuses. In the United States, such a building is more often called a student union, student commons, or student center...
.
N
Northgate: A business and entertainment district located north of the Texas A&M campus.
Northside: Location of residence halls on campus near Northgate.
O
"Off the wood": During sporting events, Texas A&M students get off the bleachers when players on any team are injured. The term "wood" is only stated for tradition reasons because Texas A&M stadiums no longer have wooden bleachers.Old Ag: Synonymous for a former Texas A&M student.
Ol' Army (or Old Army): Term referring to Texas A&M's past.
Other education: A term describing what Aggie students learn outside the classroom though extracurricular activities and through living life.
P
Pass back: A hand signal, initiated by the Yell Leaders, which informs students which yell to do next.Pisshead: A nickname for a sophomore cadet.
Poor Aggies: Used to taunt Aggies after an athletic loss from opponents.
Pots: Hard hat
Hard hat
A hard hat is a type of helmet predominantly used in workplace environments, such as construction sites, to protect the head from injury by falling objects, impact with other objects, debris, bad weather and electric shock. Inside the helmet is a suspension that spreads the helmet's weight over the...
s worn by Aggie Bonfire builders. The color of a student's pot identified their role in bonfire construction
Aggie Bonfire leadership
The Aggie Bonfire leadership was composed of Texas A&M University students who were in charge of the construction of Aggie Bonfire, known as Bonfire, a large bonfire burned on the Texas A&M University campus annually from 1909 until 1999. The Aggie Bonfire Leadership was responsible for safely...
.
Privilege (SP, JP, ZP): A ranking system based on one's class year with determines what traditions and Aggie student is allowed to perform. The privilege levels are, SP, JP, and ZP's, sophomore, junior, and senior privileges respectively. Freshmen have "fish privileges". In the Corps, one's privilege level has an enormous effect on a cadet's lifestyle. Some rules like the wildcatting or whooping extend to non-regs.
Pull out: Using a privileged word not available to your class; for example, sophomores saying "Whoop."
Push: a) A form of punishment consisting of pushups, especially after pulling out. In the Corps when students do a "class set" of pushups, one for each year of their class. The Class of 1945 did only 45 pushups, but the Class of 2013 now does 113.
- b) The last phase of Aggie Bonfire construction, where students worked around the clock in rotating shifts to finish stacking the logs.
Q
The Quad: Location of the dormitories of the Corps of Cadets.R
Ram: (n) Demerit issued to a cadet by either a ranking cadet or a bullBull
Bull usually refers to an uncastrated adult male bovine.Bull may also refer to:-Entertainment:* Bull , an original show on the TNT Network* "Bull" , an episode of television series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation...
for a major rule violation. (v) To receive demerits.
RAggies: Aggie baseball fans.
Red Ass: Students who closely follow the Aggie traditions and rules.
Reed Arena
Reed Arena
Reed Arena is a sports arena and entertainment venue located at the corner of Olsen Boulevard and Kimbrough Boulevard in College Station, Texas. This facility is used for Texas A&M University basketball games and commencement ceremonies, concerts, trade shows, family entertainment, and Texas A&M...
: The university's arena
Arena
An arena is an enclosed area, often circular or oval-shaped, designed to showcase theater, musical performances, or sporting events. It is composed of a large open space surrounded on most or all sides by tiered seating for spectators. The key feature of an arena is that the event space is the...
.
Reed Rowdies
The Reed Rowdies are the official student support group of Texas A&M University's Texas A&M Aggies men's basketball teams, named for Reed Arena, where the Aggies play. The loosely-organized group hosts tailgate parties before home games and strives to be as loud and obnoxious toward the opposing...
: Official fan club
Fan club
A fan club is a group that is dedicated to a well-known person, group, idea or sometimes even an inanimate object . Most fan clubs are run by fans who devote considerable time and resources to supporting them. There are also "official" fan clubs that are run by someone associated with the person...
of Texas A&M basketball teams
Texas A&M Aggies basketball
Texas A&M Aggies basketball may refer to:*Texas A&M Aggies men's basketball*Texas A&M Aggies women's basketball...
.
Reveille
Reveille (Texas A&M)
Reveille is the official mascot of Texas A&M University. Students adopted the first Reveille, a mixed-breed dog, in 1931. To thank Texas A&M for its assistance during World War II, the US Army designated Reveille a Cadet General , the highest ranking member of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets.Eight...
: The Texas A&M mascot, a purebred American collie. Reveille is the highest ranking member of the Corps of Cadets.
Ring dunk: A non school sanctioned tradition performed after a student receives an Aggie Ring; usually involves chugging a pitcher of beer, or a non-alcoholic substitute, with their Aggie Ring in the bottom then catching the ring in their teeth.
S
"Saw Varsity's Horns Off": A verse from the Aggie War Hymn, it refers to defeating the Texas Longhorns, who use a Longhorn steerTexas longhorn (cattle)
The Texas Longhorn is a breed of cattle known for its characteristic horns, which can extend to tip to tip for steers and exceptional cows, and tip to tip for bulls. Horns can have a slight upward turn at their tips or even triple twist. Texas Longhorns are known for their diverse coloring...
as their mascot.
Sea Aggies (or Sea Ags): Students or alumni of the school's branch campus, Texas A&M University at Galveston
Texas A&M University at Galveston
Texas A&M University at Galveston is an ocean-oriented branch campus of Texas A&M University offering undergraduate degrees in marine biology, marine fisheries, marine engineering technology, marine sciences, marine transportation, maritime administration, maritime studies, maritime systems...
.
Serge Butt: A nickname for a junior cadet. Refers to the "serge" material used in making pants for juniors pre-1960. Usually abbreviated as just "butts."
Singing Cadets
Texas A&M Singing Cadets
The Texas A&M Singing Cadets are a male choral group at Texas A&M University. Nicknamed "The Voice of Aggieland", the Singing Cadets have been touring for 107 seasons, with their roots in a glee club founded on the A&M campus in 1893. The Singing Cadets are one of the oldest collegiate singing...
: An all male choir
Choir
A choir, chorale or chorus is a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform.A body of singers who perform together as a group is called a choir or chorus...
at A&M, called the "Voice of Aggieland".
Silver Taps: A ceremony, held monthly, to honor all currently-enrolled students who died in the previous month.
"Sit down bus driver": An Aggie Yell used in athletic events to taunt opposing team's coaches
Coach (sport)
In sports, a coach is an individual involved in the direction, instruction and training of the operations of a sports team or of individual sportspeople.-Staff:...
when they are arguing with an official or otherwise holding up the game. "Bus driver" refers to the fact that coaches used to drive the buses for road games.
Southside: Residence halls on the far southeast portion of campus.
Aggie Spirit (or Spirit of Aggieland
Spirit of Aggieland
The Spirit of Aggieland is the alma mater of the Texas A&M University. It was originally written as a poem by Marvin H. Mimms while he was a student at Texas A&M. Richard J. Dunn, the director of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band at the time, composed the music...
): Abstract term that describes the unity and devotion Aggies have for their school and to each other. "The Spirit" also refers to the school song
Alma mater
Alma mater , pronounced ), was used in ancient Rome as a title for various mother goddesses, especially Ceres or Cybele, and in Christianity for the Virgin Mary.-General term:...
, The Spirit of Aggieland.
Stack: The third phase of Aggie Bonfire construction, where students would wire the logs together in their final shape.
Sully (or Sul Ross): Short for former Texas A&M President, Lawrence Sullivan Ross
Lawrence Sullivan Ross
Lawrence Sullivan "Sul" Ross was the 19th Governor of Texas , a Confederate States Army general during the American Civil War, and a president of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, now called Texas A&M University.Ross was raised in the Republic of Texas, which was later annexed to...
. Modern usage generally refers to the prominent statue of him.
T
TAMC (or Texas AMC): Refers to the university's former name the "Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas". While the institution has been renamed Texas A&M University with the initials TAMU, the initials AMC are still used in several Aggie traditions including Aggie yells and the Spirit of Aggieland."Tea-sip (or t-sip): A student of Texas A&M's archrival, The University of Texas at Austin.
t.u.: What Aggies call The University of Texas at Austin, normally abbreviated UT, the main rival school to Texas A&M University. Term is intended to be derogatory. Aggies maintain that UT is "a" university in Texas not "the" university of Texas. The t.u. therefore stands for "texas university", with the lowercase letters being an added insult.
W
Fight song
A fight song is primarily an American and Canadian sports term, referring to a song associated with a team. In both professional and amateur sports, fight songs are a popular way for fans to cheer for their team...
.
Whip Out (or Whipping Out): The tradition of freshmen in the Corps of Cadets introducing themselves to upperclassman in the Corps.
White
White
White is a color, the perception of which is evoked by light that stimulates all three types of color sensitive cone cells in the human eye in nearly equal amounts and with high brightness compared to the surroundings. A white visual stimulation will be void of hue and grayness.White light can be...
: The second official Texas A&M color. White Out is a basketball tradition. Unlike football games, where Aggie fans wear Maroon, the basketball crowds wear white.
"Whoop": An exclamation of approval and excitement, especially used at the end of a yell. Only juniors and seniors have the privilege to "Whoop".
Wildcat: A noise and a hand motion made after an Aggie yell. Each class uses a different wildcat based on seniority.
Wrecking Crew: Name given to defenses of the football team
Texas A&M Aggies football
The Texas A&M Aggies football team represents Texas A&M University in college football. The Aggies have competed in the Big 12 Conference since the conference's inception in 1996. They will join the Southeastern Conference in July 2012. Texas A&M football has earned one national title and 18...
. The term became popular during in 80s and the 90s. Many fans, coaches, and sports analysts feel that recent Aggie defenses have not "earned" the title.
Y
Yell Leaders: Texas A&M's equivalent of cheerleaders
Cheerleading
Cheerleading is a physical activity, sometimes a competitive sport, based on organized routines, usually ranging from one to three minutes, which contain the components of tumbling, dance, jumps, cheers, and stunting to direct spectators of events to cheer on sports teams at games or to participate...
– These elected students, three seniors and two juniors, lead the student body in synchronized yells throughout all sporting events and yell practices. While all yell leaders on the main campus have been male, a female has served as one at the school's branch campus in Galveston
Texas A&M University at Galveston
Texas A&M University at Galveston is an ocean-oriented branch campus of Texas A&M University offering undergraduate degrees in marine biology, marine fisheries, marine engineering technology, marine sciences, marine transportation, maritime administration, maritime studies, maritime systems...
.
Yell practice: A Texas A&M event that is similar to a pep rally
Pep rally
Pep rallies are events that occur primarily in the United States and Canada. A pep rally is a gathering of people, typically students of middle school, high school and college age, before a sports event. The purpose of such a gathering is to encourage school spirit and to support members of the...
. The most notable yell practices, Midnight Yell, occurs the night before home football games.
Z
Zip: A nickname for a senior, named so for the black and gold braid on the garrison capGarrison cap
A Side cap is a foldable military cap with straight sides and a creased or hollow crown sloping to the back where it is parted. It is known as a garrison cap , a wedge cap , or officially field service cap, , but it is more generally known as the side cap.It follows the style which...
s of seniors in the Corps of Cadets, which resembles a zipper.
External links
- Corps dictionary – An archived web page which was in depth dictionary of Corps of Cadets exclusive terminology
- Texas A&M University