The St Andrews Lexicon: What We Say, and What We Really Mean

Pablo

A drink found at the union, consisting of a bottle of VK mixed with two shots of vodka – so basically vodka with alcohol as a mixer. Dangerous, but also the key to a successful night out.

Academic Families

Third year students adopt freshers and act as their mentors, making them feel welcome at the University. Your parents, and any other children they adopt, become your academic family.

Academic Adoption

The process of acquiring an academic family. All too often it entails prospective parents using adoption as a sort of chat-up line, to get with naïve freshers.

Raisin Weekend

A weekend celebrating your entrance to the University, and thanking your families for looking after you. Expect not to remember much.

Academic Incest

Overwhelmingly self-explanatory.

Academic Sin

See above. Also, stepping on the “PH” outside Sallies Quad and wearing your gown incorrectly 

The PH

Letters on the ground outside Sallies, marking the spot where Patrick Hamilton, an ex-student, was burned at the stake.

May Dip

Running into the sea at dawn, on the May Day Bank Holiday, to cleanse yourself of any academic sin you have acquired, in preparation for summer exams.

The Bop

The Union’s attempt at a themed club night, every Friday. 

Sinners

The Athletic Union’s events at the Union, which happen several times a year. As with Raisin, expect to remember very little.

The Toastie Bar

Run by the Christian Union from a church off South Street, Toastie Bar is the standard end to a Friday night out.

The Kate Kennedy Club

The KK for short. A charitable institution founded in 1926, these ladies and gentlemen organise Opening Ball and May Ball, among other events. 

The Mermaids

The performing arts society, known for their annual sellout Christmas Ball. 

Comments

comments