Greek Terminology 101

Don’t speak Greek? That’s OK because we are here to help. Below is a list of terms you’ll probably here as your son begins to get involved in a fraternity. And don’t worry, you’re not the only one who was confused the first time they heard them.

Active Member – A fully initiated member of a fraternity or sorority.

Alumnus (plural: alumni) – A member of a fraternity or sorority who has graduated from college.

Bid – An invitation extended to a rushee to join a particular fraternity.

Brother – A term used by initiated members in a fraternity when referring to each other.

Fraternity – A group of individuals bound together by common goals and rituals.

Greek – A member of a fraternity or sorority.

Independent – A person who is not a member of a fraternity or sorority (also known as “G.D.I.’s”).

I.F.C. (Interfraternity Council) – The representative governing body of all fraternities on campus.

Legacy – A rushee of a fraternity who is the son, brother, or other relative of a current or former member of the fraternity.

Pin – The member pin is worn on the chest designating an initiate of a fraternity.  Pin design is structured to indicate if a member is an active or pledge of said fraternity.

Pledge – A trial member (usually Freshmen undergrads) of a fraternity who is working to become an (active member) of the chosen fraternity.

Rush – The activity or activities by which a fraternity seeks new members.

Rushee – A person interested or who has expressed interest in becoming a member of a fraternity.

Pinning – A term which designates that a member of the fraternity has given his pin to a women in a sorority.

Lovelier – When a member of the fraternity gives a Greek letter charm which bears the Greek letters of his fraternity to a sorority woman.

STAG Night – A traditional event at Baker University where members of Greek living organizations gather at their respective houses on the eve of graduation.  This event is not Greek exclusive, although it is predominantly Greek.

Congratulations, you have now passed Greek Terminology 101.  Thanks for taking the course.