Here at the Illustrious Hampton University, we aren’t just your typical HBCU. It’s a different world out here if you haven’t heard by now. We do things a little differently and use terms and slang to describe more things than you would think. From our class names to our functions, there’s a lot of words we use you wouldn’t understand if you don’t go here. Coming into Hampton as a freshman or transfer student, you might be confused when you hear words like the Stu, QT, 100 days, and PTC. But luckily, I have broken down these words in a new series we are calling; Defining Hampton Culture: Words You Need To Know Coming to Hampton. This week, we will be defining the basics.
Hampton Woman
The prestigious title and club of sophisticated, go-getter women you join during induction freshman year. A Hampton woman carries herself well and is just “that girl” (period). There’s a certain kind of glow you have when you become a Hampton woman, and especially after you graduate and join the elite Hampton Alumna club.
Hampton Man
What you become after the induction ceremony freshman year during NSO as a guy. However, when calling someone a Hampton man, it is usually a compliment. A Hampton man is respectful, opens doors for (all) women and holds it until they enter/leave the building, and carries himself with class.
Hamptonian
What you become after enrolling and getting inducted. Once a Hamptonian, always a Hamptonian. Like being referred to as where you’re from (Houstonian, New Yorker, Virginian), this is what you’ll be called mostly by the administration, professors, etc. Pretty simple concept.
QT, Ogre, and Onyx
These are your Hampton class names. When you get inducted into Hampton, your class gets one of these names which is usually the same name as the seniors of that year. For example, the current seniors are OphiO17 or Ogres. The current juniors are Quintessence 11 or QT11 for short, meaning the standard or example of class and quality (shoutout to my QT’s). The sophomore class is Onyx12, and the freshmen are Ophio18. These names have been a tradition for years now. When you meet alumni, expect them to ask what class you are. (You’ll hear like QT2, Onyx8, etc.) If you ask someone their class, and they don’t say any of these, (they don’t go to Hampton lol.) You will also be repping your class at every function during a Hampton tradition, (aka must-play song at every event or it didn’t happen) the Swag Surf.
Bigs and Littles
Bigs are upperclassmen that “adopt” you while at Hampton made to make sure you’re good. That could mean taking you to go get groceries, giving advice, inviting you to parties, etc. Littles are the ones they adopt. You usually get a big NSO week, but you also meet the majority of them naturally as time goes on through orgs, parties, your major, etc. It’s okay if you don’t have one, your friends might have some who will let you tag along or adopt you soon after.
Hampton Intro
The one-sentence you will use for the next, four years as a student during class presentations, the FDOC, career fairs, and other places. “My name is (your full name), and I am a (your year ex: first-year), (your major) major, (minor or concentration if you have one) minor from (your hometown). Learn this ASAP because people will look at you like um girl… (what is that?) if you say it all out of order.
To make better sense, use my Hampton intro as an example. My name is Raven Harper, a third-year Journalism major, Marketing minor from Houston, Texas.
Standard of Excellence
Hampton’s motto. You’ll usually hear this when describing the expected behavior as a Hampton student which means displaying outstanding, top of the line, professional, elite behavior. This is the behavior you’ll soon learn and take with you even when not at Hampton. It’s been said Hampton students are more prepared for the real world than a lot of your fellow PWI Ivy Leagues. Ask around.
Illustrious
The word you put before Hampton University and after “I attend..” when talking to non-Hamptonians (especially other HBCU students who use this term too), so they can understand that Hampton is “that school”!
You just became a little bit more educated about Hampton’s culture. Stay tuned for the next article in the Hamptonian Dictionary series to learn more terms regarding functions, campus buildings, off-campus, attire, and more.