When I first came to Auburn, I did not know much about the culture or the campus. I was an out of state student coming into the Auburn Family, ready to make new friends and learn all about my new home. Now that I’m a senior, I’ve learned most of the important words and phrases and have compiled them into a short “dictionary” of sorts. Some of these are official words and others have been passed down by upperclassmen. Just like I learned them, none of them are in alphabetical order.
War Eagle: This is the universal way to say hello, congratulate or celebrate with someone, or cheer on the Auburn Tigers. It’s a word with multiple meanings, but as they stress during Camp War Eagle, it is not synonymous with consent! It is sometimes abbreviated as W.E. or W.D.E. (War Damn Eagle).
CWE: Camp War Eagle or Freshman Orientation.
Toomer’s: This word has two meanings. It can mean Toomer’s Corner or Toomer’s Lemonade. Both can be found by Toomer’s Drugs.
Chick-Fil-A: Found in the Student Center, it is one of the busiest dining options on campus. If you get lost, look for the long line of people waiting to get their chicken sandwiches every day!
Gameday: This is a state of mind and an experience in itself. It can involve any of the following: tailgating with friends, wearing gameday dresses, buttons and stickers, putting a shaker in your boots as you stand in line to get in, saving spots for your friends in the Student Section and cheering on the Auburn Tigers. It’s standing throughout the game and watching every wonderful second and then staying after the game, win or lose, to sing the alma mater with the other students and alumni.
Lampshading: This is a term for those who love the XL Comfort color t-shirts and Nike shorts combos. It’s what happens when a t-shirt is so long that it covers the shorts, making it look like the person is wearing a Comfort Color t-shirt dress (or lampshade).
Bodda Getta: This is probably everyone’s favorite Auburn cheer. I have yet to meet an Auburn student that doesn’t love Bodda Getta yet.
Rolling Toomer’s: If you ever wonder why toilet paper seems to be out of stock around gamedays, this is why. Students, alumni and fans come together on Toomer’s Corner to roll Toomer’s Oaks after winning a game. They can also roll the Oaks after any major celebration. This year, students will be able to roll the Oaks for the first time since they were poisoned in 2011.
Starbucks: Same brand, but two different locations. Make sure to specify if it’s the one in the Student Center or in Lowder before making plans with a friend.
Chapter: To English lovers, it’s a section in a book. But for Greek Life, it’s a weekly meeting for sororities.
Aubie: A mascot so great, there’s a dorm named after him in the Village. Women love him, men want to be him and everyone wants a picture with him. The winner of nine mascot national championships, Aubie was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2006 and was named the Capital One Mascot of the Year in 2014. He can be found at several events on campus.
Brunch: The best part of any Sunday, after Church of course. Many students flock to Acre and The Hound for brunch after their church services. Cooking classes are offered every so often on campus, teaching students how to make some of their beloved brunch items.
Greenspace: The great expanse of green grass in front of Jordan-Hare Stadium. On Saturdays in the Fall, it’s tailgate central. But for the rest of the week, students eat lunch, study and play frisbee on the lawn.
ABP: Au Bon Pain.
RBD: Ralph Brown Draughon Library.
Foy: This can be Foy Dining or Foy Information. You can call Foy information if you have a question, be it where can I park or what was the score for last night’s game. And Foy Dining has several options for students, like Salsarita’s and Panda Express.
Wellness: Many confuse the Auburn Recreation and Wellness Center and the Wellness Kitchen when they hear this word. The Rec is a recreational facility with several amenities and services while the Wellness Kitchen is the dining option across the street from South Donahue Residence Hall.
The Auburn Family: For some, it’s hard to define. It can be a feeling you get when you return to campus and see your friends after a while. It can be the sense of pride you feel when you see the large “AU” on Jordan-Hare or fans on the Greenspace tailgating. It can be the connection you feel when you meet an alumni and strike up a conversation. Whatever you think of when you hear those words, the Auburn Family is the best part of being an Auburn Tiger.