Get with the program

Sooo...

You are wandering around the vast metropolis of Grahamstown and someone asked you to meet them at the Kaif for a smoffie so that you can talk about the guy who was baiting about the naps he had after his mare...Not understanding the lingo? Well, get with the program with this easy guide to Rhodes Slang. Once you know this, you'll know just how to converse with the strange and perplexing species known as Rhodents and you'll be well on your way to becoming one of them.

Words About "The Night Before"

Pre Drinks: Origin: The Innocent Form of Pre Drinks. The cheapest way to get party. Note to prospective Rhodes Students: you save a lot of money this way; going out chows your bank account.

Mare: Origin: Nightmare. This word refers to one of those nights that a) you don't really remember and b) you might not want to.

Naps/Napping: Sleeping over with someone and often followed by the walk of shame.

Walk of Shame: Last night's clothes, unwashed hair, smudged make up, sheepish grin...hmmm need I say more?

Pumped: To have gotten very drunk.

Union/Onion: Origin: Rhodes Student Union. Now known as the Bantu Steven Biko Building, Union, this is the place where Rhodes students flash their student cards and squeak some takkie on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Cane Train: Numerous shots of cane in creme soda. Only served at Union for R25 until 21:00.

Rat: Origin: The Rat and Parrot. Great place to watch sport, chill, drink and also having mares.

Mama Boeries/Mama Pam's: Only THE most awesome, cost effective wors rolls on the planet. Eating such delacacies at 2 in the morning is quite the treat. The stand is located outside Rat.

Friars: Origin: Friar Tuck's. Note: NO ONE calls it Friar Tuck's and they'll probably look at you very strangely if you do. It's difficult to comment on this place because few have seen the inside of it sober: a real Grahamstown mystery.

Gaol: Pronounced: Jail. Origin: The Old Gaol. Live music, chilled vibe, often known for an alternative vibe.

BP Run: Well, BP is 24 hours, so anytime of day or night you can go over to the petrol station and spend more of your limited budget on food. This is particularly popular at early hours of the morning when no other place is open.

Words about work

LOA: Origin: Leave of Absence. To become mysteriously ill and not be able to hand in your assignment on time. Note: If you go to the san for a LOA, call your “problem” diarrhea because if they check, it would be extremely uncomfortable for both parties, so it is a full proof plan.

Moodle: Older generation Rhodes students refer to Ruconnected as this.

Unbooking My Day: Origin: Unbooking meals. Not going to lectures for the whole day, often to catch up with work that you have left to the last minute.

"Lectures are optional" : See Unbooking My Day

Arb: Origin: Arbitrary. A random subject that you take for one or a combination of the following reasons. 1) You need an extra credit. 2) You want to be with your friends 3) You think its fun to "learn more" 4) You have no clue what you want out of life so you do a BA with 4 arbs.

Other words

Kaif: The coffee shop, come chill area where Rhodents congregate in free periods.

Smoffie: Origin: Smoke and Coffee. To chill and chat over a smoke and a cup of coffee.

Bait: To talk rubbish.

Chilled Vibe: Origin: Just chilling. To have a relaxing atmosphere. A get together that is not too wild, but still awesome.

Obviously this isn't all of them, but hopefully you'll be able to find your way around Rhodes and be able to converse like a local now. Have fun!