The Chapman Dictionary: a guide to commonly-used student jargon and phrases

From AF to Panther Bucks, the Chapman community has an extensive list of jargon. The Panther defined a list of the most common vocabulary words used among students. Illustration by WYATT LINCOLN, illustrator

When approaching a Chapman student and asking them what they have planned for the day, you might get an answer that involves the following: going to class in AF, spending Panther Bucks at the caf, relentlessly checking Canvas and ending the night with a trip to the D. 

But, if you're not a Chapman student, that could sound more like gibberish than daily activities. In reality, you’re attending class in Argyros Forum, buying lunch in the Randall Dining Commons, managing your assignments on your computer and visiting The District Lounge bar down the street that night. Senior communication studies major Mary-Kate Willis said some locals of Orange think the jargon of Chapman students is utterly laughable.

"When I worked in The Circle, my co-workers who lived in Orange were like 'No one calls it The D besides Chapman kids,'" Willis said.

Senior communication studies major Kylie Shelon said that a reason for these hyper-specific words could be a matter of convenience since it's much easier to say AF instead of Argyros Forum every single day.

"It's a lot easier to maintain the same style of communication when you're with the same people a lot,” Sheldon said. “It makes conversing easier in general.”

Even though outsiders might wonder the difference between AF and BK or what in the world FFC is, the vocabulary used by Chapman students strengthens the bond between members and creates an inside-joke connecting each person familiar with the lingo. Communication professor Erin Craw told The Panther that this jargon creates a long-lasting impact, since incoming freshmen and alumni alike can use these words to feel like a proud Panther. 

"I don't have to be super close to you, I just can relate to you and know that we have something in common by using the word AF or Memorial Lawn," Craw said. "In college, you are in a pool of people who are different. It can be really easy for you to feel like an outsider, but when you have stuff like jargon that's used and accepted on campus — that really helps people feel like they are connected just because they know those terms."

Without further ado, here is a list of common terms used by Chapman students. With this list, any confused professors, parents and new students can adapt right away to this community each Panther calls home. 

AF: An acronym for Argyros Forum. This 20,000 square foot building serves as the Student Union for Chapman — essentially meaning it is a giant living room for students. Not only does the building include an Einstein's Bagels and laptop rentals, there are also countless classrooms and a Union Gallery to celebrate student life. Plus, inside are the comfiest couches on campus. 

BK: An abbreviation for Beckman Hall, which houses the Argyros School of Business and Economics. Housed inside is the Janes Financial Center, where you can get Bloomberg certified, along with Academic Advising offices on the third floor. The most important aspect of the building is hands-down the campus Starbucks, located on the first floor of Beckman. 

Panther Bucks: Arguably the most important part of being a freshman is the amount of money you can spend on food. Of course, there is the meal plan set up for each student, but additionally there are Panther Bucks, money loaded onto your Chapman I.D. card to be used at any on-campus dining establishment.

Canvas: An online, one-way stop for students to turn in assignments, fill out class discussion posts, review syllabi and receive any announcements from their professors. 

Psafe: An abbreviation for Chapman's Public Safety. Not only does on-campus security patrol the grounds of the university and ensure everyone's safety, but they also offer Safe Ride, a service that can pick up any student needing a ride home at any time. 

Undie Run: At the end of each winter and spring semester, Chapman students hold this unofficial event — where students wear wacky pajamas and underwear and run through the town of Orange. Although each semester Jerry Price sends emails discouraging students to do so, the Undie Run is always a fan-favorite activity for Chapman students to celebrate the end of finals season.

The Circle: Despite the locals of Orange calling it the Orange Plaza, Chapman students define the large round-a-bout filled with restaurants and shops as The Circle. Anything from chicken tenders at Bruxie, margaritas at Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen or antique shopping can all be found in The Circle. 

The D: An abbreviation for the watering-hole for Chapman students over the age of 21. The D, also known as The District Lounge, is the place to be for students on Thursday nights. Loud music, drinks and a photo booth sounds like a basic bar, but for students on campus, this is their favorite stop of the week. 

Fenestra: The Latin word for window, which relates to Chapman's motto being a "window for opportunity." This description also relates to window logos sprawled across practically every door on campus. 

FFC: An acronym for First-Year Foundation Course. This is a required class that each incoming freshman must take. Ranging from a variety of topics, students are encouraged to select an FFC that relates to their interest — emphasizing the diverse areas of educational topics held at Chapman. 

Jim Miller: One of the many parking structures at Chapman. Located in the heart of the Chapman dorms, this one in particular is the most important, as it is where many students choose to have rooftop photoshoots, watch the Disneyland fireworks or gaze at the sunset. 

Fountain hopping: An unofficial tradition held for many incoming students during Orientation week is fountain hopping. This is an activity where students roll up their pant legs and splash around in the many fountains across campus. While it sounds ridiculous on paper, this serves as a core memory for countless students.  

Eduroam/Chapman Open: The two possible internet networks available on Chapman's campus. Although they both have their ups-and-downs, with students having to switch back and forth between the two, they are a necessary aspect of being a Panther.  

CU: An acronym for Chapman University. This acronym can be used for countless puns used via the admissions office or any Chapman-related marketing strategy — including "CU Safely Back" or "CU Soon."

Lastinger/Anderson: The parking structure under the football field. Besides the fact the structure is notoriously full, its name changed from Lastinger to Anderson this past year – which leads to students using both names synonymously. 

Chappy Birthday: A pun that celebrates a Chapman student's birthday. There is nothing quite like receiving an email each year from Dean of Students Jerry Price holding a balloon saying "Chappy Birthday."