Talk of the Town

From "Postie" to "shookie," chatting 'cats have a language all their own

Compiled by Kaitrin McCoy, BSJ '13, and Mariel Jungkunz, MS '07
Illustration by Barry Falls

Campus life is full of catchy phrases, fun nicknames and off-the-wall terms. Where else can you complain about a number called the RAC or grab a shookie between classes? Test your Bobcat knowledge with this quiz, compiled by students and alumni.

  1. What was the name of the temporary housing units for WWII Veterans?
    1. The Gang Green
    2. Hog Island
    3. The Cavern

  2. What is the official name of the Bobcat mascot?
    1. Brutus
    2. Putnam
    3. Rufus

  3. What is a Postie?
    1. A member of The Post
    2. A note on the graffiti wall
    3. A personal identification number assigned to students
  1. What is the name of the hill on East Union Street?
    1. McGuffey Hill
    2. Jeff Hill
    3. The Cutler Climb

  2. Who lived in the "Animal House" in the 1960s?
    1. "Beasts"
    2. The wrestling team
    3. J-Prom kings

  3. What is a shookie?
    1. A cookie from Shively Dining Hall
    2. A milkshake from Whit's
    3. A drink of gin and juice
  1. Who were the Snydermen?
    1. Ivy League graduates who worked during the Alden administration
    2. The founding members of the Ohio chess club
    3. Basketball team in the 1950s

  2. What is the name of the traditional romantic spot on College Green?
    1. Lovers' Lane
    2. The Kissing Circle
    3. The College Gate
Photo Caption

"Hog Island" was no misnomer: The new cafeteria served more than 600 men at each meal! In addition to a hungry horde of men, the "Islanders" also had to contend with muddy terrain every time it rained in spring. Photo courtesy of the 1947 Athena yearbook.

ANSWERS:

  1. B, Hog Island. A colony of 23 housing units and a large cafeteria building provided temporary housing for WWII veterans. The dirt used to raise the area above flood level made for muddy conditions after every rain in the spring.
  2. C, Rufus. Ohio University unveiled its new mascot, Rufus, during a ceremony prior to the Bobcats' victory over Tennessee-Martin in 2006. More than 500 people submitted nominations and voted for his name during a contest held that year; Rufus was a popular choice for many Ohio fans because Lynx rufus is the species name for the bobcat. Other fans noted its connection with Rufus Putnam, who presided over the meeting to form the Ohio Company of Associates that resulted in the founding of Ohio University. Putnam was also on the first board of trustees at the university and was honored with the naming of Putnam Hall in 1926.
Photo Caption

Margaret LaFollette, BFA '61, was crowned queen in the Newspaper Ball and ruled as Editor for a Day of The Post. The Newspaper Ball was hosted annually by Sigma Delta Chi, the men's professional journalism society. As part of her royal duties, Margaret wrote an editorial for the newspaper and said she was "very pleased" with the results of her hard work. Photo courtesy of the 1958 Athena yearbook.

  1. A, a Post staff member. Originally known as The Green and White, the student newspaper The Post is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Current and past Posties will visit the current offices at Baker Center and connect with friends during Spring Alumni Weekend. For more info, visit the Alumni Association online.
  2. B, Jeff Hill. Nickname for the steep hill on East Union Street that ends next to Jefferson Hall. Though sometimes a paved road (now open to traffic) and sometimes just a dirt hill (well suited for sledding), Jeff Hill has always been a cause for complaint — especially for those living on East Green.
  3. B, the wrestling team. Parks Hall earned the nickname "The Animal House" in the 1960s. Dorm nicknames of all kinds (Lindley Lovelies, Tiffinites, Bryanites, Bush Beasties, etc.) have been popular at the university over the years, especially during the era of single-sex housing.
Photo Caption

In 1950, the freshman basketball team was the only winning sports team for Ohio University in the fall and winter. Coached by Jim Snyder, whose expertise and passion led many basketball players to victory throughout his coaching career, the members of the team were called "the Snydermen" in his honor. Photo courtesy of the 1950 Athena.

  1. A, a cookie from Shively Hall. This triple chocolate chip cookie is served today at the Shively Grab-n-Go. The popular Shively Dining Hall received a major renovation in 2009, and students rave about its stylish "food court" approach to dining. The Grab-n-Go is just one of the many dining options offered.
  2. C, basketball team in the 1950s. Jim Snyder coached the Ohio Bobcats men's basketball team for 26 years (1949-1974), leading them to seven NCAA tournament appearances (the last being in 1974). In 1952, the team was so popular, admission was limited to every other game.
  3. B, The Kissing Circle. According to university legend, there is a spot on College Green where any man can kiss any woman passing through at the same time!

Sources: Athena and Spectrum Green yearbooks, Ohio University: The Spirit of a Singular Place, campus life!

Photo Caption

(From left) Bailee Grant, Steph Rooker, Stephane Davies and Kim Czuchnicki pose with the coolest cat of all: Rufus. Photo by Rick Fatica.

Are you a cool 'cat or a mere kitten?

You call yourself an alum? (1-2 right answers)
It's time to take a refresher course on all things Athens! We're officially putting you on "academic probation" until you study your alma mater and remember her beauty, her promise and her history. Get to it!

You've forgotten your roots (3 right answers)
You've been away from Athens far too long. It's definitely time to head back and refresh those long-lost memories: College Green when autumn comes, cheering on the Bobcats in the Convo and joining the throng on Court Street.

You're in love from afar (4-5 right answers)
It's clear that you love Ohio University ... you just don't visit as much as you should. Luckily that's a problem with an easy solution. Come home and celebrate with your fellow alumni just how lucky you are to be a Bobcat.

continued

You're a true, roaring Bobcat (6-8 right answers)
There's no question here: You bleed green and daydream about your college days often. Your love for Ohio can only be matched by your fierce loyalty, and you scoff at anyone who thinks Ohio State or Miami is the true Ohio school. Are you sure you've even left Athens?

Hey, Posties, Lovelies, Snydermen and all 'Cats,

We're looking for a few good words: What Ohio University-specific terms do you remember from your days on campus? Did your favorite (or most dreaded) professor have a nickname? What did you call your off-campus house or dorm? What campus tradition, game, fest or event do you still remember? Head over to Facebook to let us know, or write us at: Ohio Today, 1 Ohio University, McKee House 112, Athens, OH, 45701.