Members of Greek Life argue the term “frat” draws images of binge drinking, hazing and excessive partying. In reality, they say they uphold higher standards and push values like leadership, scholarship, philanthropy and service.
When students walk around Athens, they’re bound to come across a greek house.
But despite this exposure to the greek life culture, some still stick to words that many associated with the organization say are offensive.
“Frat” is an example.
“I can't think of any other groups where the main term is derogatory,” said Kristen Kardas, assistant director for greek life at OU. “On a campus tour, a tour guide wouldn't abbreviate other organizations, so why abbreviate 'fraternity' to 'frat?'”
Kardas, along with many fraternity brothers, often challenge the term they consider to be a slur.
“When anyone says 'frat,' I tend to correct them,” she said. “I do not see oversee 'frat boys,' I oversee 'fraternity men.'”
Members of greek life argue the term “frat” conjures images of binge drinking, hazing and excessive partying. In reality, they say they uphold higher standards and value leadership, scholarship, philanthropy and service.
The opposition to the term also has roots within the student management of the Interfraternity Council and the Women's Panhellenic Association, both OU organizations that encompass 24 of the 31 campus fraternities and sororities. Andrew Kroeze, president of the IFC, wants to do away with greek life’s Animal House reputation and focus on more positive aspects to belonging to a fraternity.
“When you hear 'frat,' you think about all the negative connotations of it. Fraternities are about values and principles and about brotherhood,” Kroeze said.
The self-described brothers say they agree.
“I'm not lazy, so I put the 'ernity' in fraternity,” said Tyler White, a fifth-year student studying sociology, and vice president of service and philanthropy for the IFC. “The word 'fraternity' harkens back to the French Revolution describing the brotherhood of the time. Using the full word gets rid of some of the negative connotations associated with 'frat.'”
The term is so despised by the greek community in the Athens area that using the word “frat” to describe a greek organization is forbidden in the fraternity handbook, said Ryan Duffy, a Phi Gamma Delta member and a sophomore studying pre-med.
Despite this rule, some fraternity members see “frat” as a term of endearment.
“I don't have a problem with (frat) at all to be honest,” said Jonah Yulish, recruitment chair of Alpha Epsilon Pi. “It's more formal to say 'fraternity,' but I just don't have a problem with it.'”
Others realize that people tend to abbreviate their words.
“Honestly, it doesn't make a difference to me. People abbreviate it a lot,” said Michael Jones, a sophomore studying economics and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha.
And along with some fraternity members, many OU students share an indifferent attitude toward the term.
“It doesn't really matter to me. I don't think they care, either,” said Eli Strahler, a freshman studying chemistry.
“To some extent it's really the same thing,” said Taylor Brannon, a freshman studying broadcast journalism.
And some students think fraternities have not done a good enough job to communicate that the term is not beloved by all.
“I'd just say 'frat' if I had the choice,” said Allison Molnar, an undecided freshman. “If they don't like people using it, they don't do a very good job of letting people know.”
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