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The University of Tennessee

Fraternity Affairs

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Greek Vocabulary


Greek Vocabulary

  • Active » a member of a fraternity
  • Alumnus » (plural alumni) a member of a fraternity who has graduated from college.
  • Bid » an invitation to a Rushee to join a fraternity.
  • Brother » A term used by active members of a fraternity when referring on one another.
  • Chapter » the local group of the national organization.
  • Fraternity » A group of men bound together by ritual ties and common goals.
  • Greek » A member of a fraternity or sorority.
  • Hazing » Mental or Physical degradation of any person which is strictly forbidden by University Policy.
  • Independent » A person who is not a member of a fraternity or sorority.
  • Initiation » The traditional ritual that brings the pledge into full active membership in the fraternity.
  • IFC » The Interfraternity Council, a representative governing body of all men's fraternities.
  • Legacy » A prospective member whose father or brother is an alumn or active member of a particular fraternity.
  • NIC » National Interfraternity Council
  • NPC » National Panhellenic Conference
  • NPHC » National Pan-Hellenic Conference
  • Panhellenic » A representative governing body of all sororities.
  • Pin » (2 types) the active pin or badge, a distinctive insignia worn on the chest designating an active member of a particular fraternity. The pledge pin, an insignia used to designate a pledge of a particular fraternity.
  • Pledge » (also associate member) A trial member of a fraternity working to become an active.
  • Ritual » The traditional secret ceremonies of a fraternity.
  • Rush Week » the period in which fraternities and potential members become acquainted.
  • Rush Chairman » An active member of a fraternity who is in charge of recruitment efforts for his chapter.