Why do Aggies say howdy?

“Howdy” is the official greeting of Texas A&M. Students greet one another — and especially campus visitors — with a “Howdy.” The origins of this tradition are unknown, but it is one that Aggies proudly continue.

Why do the Aggies say gig em?

Downs asked the crowd at a yell practice before the TCU football game, “What are we going to do to those Horned Frogs?” Improvising, he borrowed the name of a sharp-pronged frog hunting tool called a gig, answering his own question by saying “Gig 'em, Aggies!”

What is the Texas A&M catchphrase?

Howdy – The official greeting of Texas A&M. It is the preferred method for a speaker to get a large group's attention as a “Howdy!” is expected in return. Students are encouraged to greet everyone they pass on campus with a smile and a “Howdy!”

Why can't Aggies say elephant?

This Aggie tradition is known to underclassmen as "E-Walk" since it is bad for underclassmen to say the word elephant as it is classified as a "senior word."

What does Howdy mean in Texas?

3. The third most popular phrase is Howdy. In southern hospitality, it replaces the word "Hi. "Although not very common due to people using "Howdy" to stereotype Texans. It is still used today, mostly used with the phrase, "Howdy partner." In Texas, the meaning behind the word "partner" is similar to a friend.

HOWDY | Texas A&M Traditions

Do people in Texas still say howdy?

The truth is Texans actually say these words often, but usually not together. “Howdy” is typically muttered as a polite greeting as opposed to a garish welcome, and its use as a friendly salutation is one of many cultural traditions taught at Texas A&M University.

Is howdy a Texas thing?

The term is commonly associated in popular culture specifically with the state of Texas, and the usage of the term is a significant and recognizable component of Texan English. Howdy is also the official greeting of Texas A&M University, though the two are not always automatically associated.

Why do Aggies call UT T sips?

The term is intended to be derogatory (the origin being that while Aggies were off fighting wars, students of UT Austin were "sipping tea" at home). An independent Texas A&M website, one of the largest collegiate independent websites in the country.

Why do Aggies hiss instead of Boo?

Hiss/Horse Laugh

Aggies “hiss” to show disapproval as a more polite alternative to booing.

Why do Aggies yell whoop?

The famous Aggie “Whoop!” is a traditional expression exclaiming approval or excitement. The “Whoop!” cry dates back to the mid-70's. The exact date is unclear because it evolved from various military exclamations. Students typically are only allowed to use it starting their junior year.

What are Texas Aggies called?

In the early 1900s, our students were called "Farmers." The term Aggie — reflecting our agricultural roots — was first used in the 1920s, and in 1949, the yearbook changed its name from The Longhorn to Aggieland. At that point, Aggie became the official student body nickname. An Aggie is a student at Texas A&M.

Why are Texas fans called sips?

A fine example of the class antagonisms at play can be seen in how Aggies frequently refer to Longhorns as “T-Sips,” which stands for “Tea Sippers.” The reason for this, in A&M's mind, is that while their students are learning practical and useful skills at their Agricultural and Mechanical schools, or, with their long ...

What does Texas A&M yell?

Gig 'em, Aggies! Fight 'em, Aggies! Farmers fight!

Why do Aggies say 12th man?

This gesture was more than enough for the Aggie Team. Although Gill did not play in the game, he had accepted the call to help his team. He came to be thought of as the Twelfth Man because he stood ready for duty in the event that the eleven men on the gridiron needed assistance.

Why do Aggies dunk their ring?

The Symbolism: The ring dunk holds deep symbolism for Aggies, representing more than just a celebration of their academic accomplishments. It serves as a reflection of the bonds formed during their time at Texas A&M, as well as a connection to the generations of Aggies who have come before them.

Do Aggies kiss after touchdown?

At the conclusion of the yell practice, the stadium lights are extinguished and fans kiss their dates. This is also done as practice, because Aggies are expected to "mug down", or kiss their dates, every time the football team scores on the field.

What is Aggies short for?

The Texas A&M Aggies are the students, graduates, and sports teams of Texas A&M University. The nickname "Aggie" was once common at land-grant or "ag" (agriculture) schools in many states. The teams are also simply referred to as "A&M" or "Texas Aggies," and the official school colors are maroon and white.

Why do Aggies eat Pringles?

Dallas said there are three main reasons players get Pringles during a game: scoring runs, doing something positive for the team or when pitchers have a shutdown inning. When A&M wins, key players from that game and head coach Jim Schlossnagle get a Pringle.

Who is the rival of the Aggies?

The Texas–Texas A&M football rivalry is an American college football rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and the Texas A&M Aggies.

What does gig em mean?

What does "Gig 'em" mean? Gig 'Em is the universal sign of approval for Aggies. First used in, 1930 at a football game against the Texas Christian University "horned Frogs," "Pinkie" Downs, Class of 1906, asked, "What are we going to do with those Horned Frogs?" and answered, "Gig 'Em Aggies!" (from frog hunting).

What does tsip mean Aggie?

Regardless of which story is correct, Texas A&M University used the term tea-sip (also spelled teasip, t-sip, or t sip) (aka. Aggies) to belittle the well-to-do students of t.u. The University of Texas was traditionally the “rich” school that pumped out doctors, lawyers, and the like.

Why is the Aggies mascot a dog?

In January 1931, several members of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band were returning from a party in nearby Navasota, Texas, when they unexpectedly hit a small black and white stray mutt. They brought the dog with them, and smuggled her into Legett Hall, fully intending to take her to the vet school the next day.

What do you reply to Howdy?

Howdy is meant to be friendly. Now if you can't stretch your linguistic skills that direction, a simple “good morning” or “good evening” will do as well.

How do you say hello in Texas slang?

Howdy. Perhaps the best-known Texas slang is the word for hello. More accurately, it's a shortened version of “How do you do?” But it's not a question and it's not reserved for cowboys. When you greet someone in Texas, a simple “howdy” is all you need.

How do Texans say hello?

Texans say “Howdy.” This does not include the millions of people who have moved here who wish they could be Texans but who never will be. When non-Texans say howdy it sounds like an affectation. Howdy does not mean hello. It is short for “How d'ya do?” which means, “hello, how are you?”