Like every school and organization, GW has plenty of slang terms and phrases that make little sense outside of Foggy Bottom. Let this companion to Webster’s English dictionary serve as your guide to avigating the bizarre world of Thrustin’, The Vern and much more.

4-RIDE: GW’s free shuttle service. It runs from dusk to dawn and takes you anywhere within a four block radius of campus. The shuttle is also used as a free taxi service for when you’re going out and don’t want to walk eight blocks in high-heels.

UPD: Short for University Police Department, this is the University’s police department, responsible for campus safety. If you are walking by the corner of 21st and G streets, check out their office – it’s the one with the colorful sculpture on the lawn.

CD and CR: Stands for College Democrats and College Republicans, two of the most active student groups on campus. But beware, these two organizations share an office in the Marvin Center. Let the verbal, politically charged debate begin!

DC Snacks: Craving that pint of Ben & Jerry’s or some frozen lasagna? Need some coals to get a Hookah started? DC Snacks, formerly known as Campus Snacks, is a late-night delivery service that sells a plethora of food, drink and other items. A free condom also comes with every delivery to ensure a safe night!

EMeRG: The student-run EMT organization that provides medical treatment to students on campus 24/7. When called, EMeRG is there to help treat minor injuries, like cuts or sprains, or more serious medical issues, like those that arise from drinking too much alcohol, for example.

HP: Short for House Proctor, GW’s version of Resident Assistants or RAs. HP’s are students who serve as academic and social mentors for other students whom they advise through the campus’s residence life system.

Froggy: Short for Froggy Bottom Pub, a popular eatery and hangout for GW students that serves some of the best sandwiches and burgers on campus. Be sure not to miss Froggy’s half-price pizza deal Monday nights.

GTown: Short for Georgetown’s downtown area, it’s a short walk from GW and filled with trendy, but often expensive shops and restaurants.

HelWell: Short for the Lerner Health and Wellness Center. Come work on your fitness at a facility with plenty of exercise machines, racquetball and basketball courts, an indoor track and even a pool.

Metro: Washington’s subway system and your new best friend. Make good use of this unusually clean and cheap way to travel around the District and surrounding areas in Maryland and Virginia.
Manouch: A hot dog vendor who sits outside the SMPA building on most Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights serving a hungry, late-night crowd. Visit him and pick up a pretzel with cheese, a hotdog with “GW Sauce,” or inspiring philosophical discourse.

SA: Short for Student Association, GW’s student government. Mirroring the federal government with an executive, legislative and judicial branch, the SA is charged with representing and advocating for the student body within the University community at large.

Thirsty Thurston, Thrustin’: These are two of the many nicknames for the largest residence hall on campus, Thurston Hall. Housing more than 1,000 freshmen, this dorm is famous on campus and beyond for its high frequency of drunken nights and sexual encounters. If you don’t have the pleasure of living in Thurston, many freshmen still enjoy visiting on occasion.

SizzEx: Short for Sizzling Express, a buffet restaurant in Columbia Plaza that is delicious but charges by the pound. SizzEx is slightly expensive, but where else can you get sushi, fried chicken, a deli sandwich and bread pudding all in one place and more importantly in one carry-out box?

Ivory: Although it is also the name of an upperclassmen residence hall, many use the word Ivory when referring to the food court located in Ivory Tower’s lower level. Eateries include Potbelly’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Baskin Robbins, Pita Pit, a convenience store and a buffet and grill venue.

The Vern: Short for the Mt. Vernon campus and located in Georgetown’s Foxhall neighborhood. The Vern is home to residence halls, soccer fields and tennis courts as well as Eckles Library. During the summer, enjoy the outdoor pool by swiping in with your GWorld. You can travel to the Vern on a 24/7 shuttle that leaves every 10 minutes outside of Fulbright Hall.