CLEMSON INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL
GREEK TERMINOLOGY
Fraternities and sororities have a lot of vocabulary that might be confusing to someone who isn't a member of a Greek organization. Knowing some of these common words and phrases may help you better understand our community and navigate the rush process.
ACTIVE MEMBER
A fully initiated member of a fraternity on campus.
ADVISOR
An alumnus or alumna member who serves as a resource for a chapter.
BID
A formal invitation to join a fraternity or sorority on campus.
BROTHER
An active member of a fraternity.
BIG
An older member of a fraternity assigned as a mentor to a younger member.
CHAPTER
The local group of a national fraternity on campus, or meetings for the group.
COMMITTEE
An assigned group within a chapter tasked with a specific goal.
ASSOCIATE CHAPTER
A new fraternity being established on campus.
DROP
The process when someone does not receive another invitation in rush or relinquishes their affiliation with a chapter.
DRY
The absence of alcohol from chapter events or persons either self-imposed or imposed by the IFC.
DUES
The required payment for membership of a chapter that allows the chapter to function.
SMOKERS
The event that begins formal rush week. At Smokers, chapters set up tents and PNMs get to meet various members from each chapter.
MEET THE FRATERNITIES
An IFC-wide pre-rush event where potential new members get to meet members of various chapters.
RUSH
An interchangeable term with "recruitment" that refers to the process of joining a fraternity.
INITIATION
The ceremony in which new members become lifelong members of their chapter.
PNM
The acronym for "Potential New Member," which refers to any prospective individual looking to join a fraternity.
LITTLE
Short for “Little brother” - a new member who is being mentored by an older member of their organization.
LEGACY
Each organization has its own definition of a “legacy.” It is generally defined as an immediate family member of an initiated member, such as a sister/brother or daughter/son.