30 Penn State Slang Terms All Nittany Lions Should Know | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

30 Penn State Slang Terms All Nittany Lions Should Know

If you already know all these terms, you're an A1 Penn Stater.

2980
30 Penn State Slang Terms All Nittany Lions Should Know
HappyValley.com

"For the glory of old State, for her founders strong and great. For the future that we wait. Raise the song, raise the song."

Penn State University is truly unlike any other place on the planet. It manages to take your breath away the moment you step foot in Happy Valley. You'll meet so many people from different backgrounds, states and even countries. No matter wherever it is that you came from you're part of one giant, exclusive family.

Although notoriously known for Greek life, there are tons of other relevant lingo that both past and present— even future Nittany Lions, know to be true. We essentially have our own language and it pretty much qualifies you to matter slightly extra since you're just sipping on that cool kid kool-aid.

SEE ALSO: 15 Signs You're From North Eastern Pennsylvania

Here's a personalized guide on how to decode and survive some major Penn State slang:

1. Adios

Easily one of the most dangerous drinks you will ever encounter on a night downtown when bar hopping. It's a combination of so many kinds of liquor from the very famous Shandygaff alongside it's other $6 liquor pitchers— Adios Mother F*cker. The name alone should haunt you a bit.

2. Beaver

Beaver Ave.... Duh.

3. Bloop

Also known as the Blue loop. It's route is pretty much circling campus hitting up spots like the you’ll be hitting up spots like the “Pattee Transit Center” aka the library towards the BJC, the White Building, parts of College and Allen finishing up at Walker.

4. Bracket

A jacket used for going to the bars that you don't necessarily have to love. It's just your go-to coat for going out in colder weathers. If it gets ruined or stolen, your day wouldn't be entirely ruined.

5. The Burg

After University Park, comes Penn State Harrisburg— the second largest branch campus located in Middletown, PA right next to Hershey and just a little over an hour and a half away from State College.

6. Cafe

Cafe 210 West... but no one ever calls it by its full name/address. This is the go-to spot for food and drinking, especially on an awesome, gorgeous day.

7. Canyon

The one place you can get pizza a dollar a slice until 4 a.m. fulfilling all your drunk guilty pleasures.

8. CATA

The bus transportation company with the most inconsistent arrival times. JUST WALK, people.

9. College

College Ave.... duh.

10. Denny/Den Rat

Frequent Lion's Den aka Den attendees. When it comes to boundaries— the limit does not exist.

11. Drunk Duck

The only drink mixed with orange juice you can get in all of State College with cute rubber ducks floating around in it.

12. Dorito Church

The symbolic church located between Beaver and Gardner shaped as an awkward dorito, commonly used as a check point or meeting place.

13. Fracket

Like a bracket, it's the same thing except used for solemnly for fratting.

14. Fratland

Pretty much self-explanatory with a pinch of extreme intoxication, stiletto heels and button down shirts.

15. Gaffeoke

Every Wednesday no matter the time of the year, you can always count on having a good time at the one and only Gaff with karaoke— with no cover charge. Amazing.

16. GDI

God Damn Independent— Basically everyone not involved in Greek. It's a little aggressive, but that's just what it means.

17. IM

The intramural building! Home of all intramural sports and anything remotely fitness related. Located across Shields Building aka Bursar Office aka tuition aka no.

18. Indihoe (or bro?)

Probably the most enjoyed club with a huge layout and fun lights. Feeling thirsty on a Thursday? Go to Indigo for $1 long islands.

19. Mac Daddy

The most guilt trippy calzone at D.P. Dough.

20. Monkey Boys

Saloon, saloon, saloon. Can be pricey five days out of the week but boy does it do you dirty.

21. My Hero Zero

When it comes to ranking local bands, My Hero Zero easily flys to No.1 on the charts. They cover all kinds of songs— both old and new. They totally know how to get a crowd going, especially when in Happy Valley.

22. Natty

The grossest, cheapest, somehow fitting beer— The infamous Natural Light.

23. Nittanyville

The "tent city" that is responsible for starting up the hype outside of Beaver Stadium Gate A before each home football game. They're troopers.

24. Pman

Primanti-Bros.

25. Pokey Stix

The one thing that's always the go-to move for late night munchies. But be warned— Pokey Stix will break your pocket.

26. THON

46 hour dance marathon and year long fundraiser to assist kids and their families— on top of finding a cure for pediatric cancer. This hits every Penn Stater right in the feels regardless how involved or uninvolved they are.

27. Toon Town

Penn State Altoona— another branch campus except this one has a heavy party reputation being that it's an even quicker ride to State College.

28. Townies

All locals that have a major love/hate for students and any visiting fellows.

29. Vladdy

Cheap and dangerous vodka. We all have nights we abuse it with immediate regrets in the morning.

30. Woop

The bus route primarily used for downtown purposes and *freshmen living at East* running on Beaver— east and west.


There's just so much more to add to this list but these are the top 30 to make the cut. I mean, WE ARE Penn State after all— The one university with the largest alumni association on top of constant increases in applicants each year.

See something missing? Comment it below!

From Your Site Articles
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

24997
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10408
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7637
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments