Greek life
Meaning: The system of fraternities and sororities at American colleges, named for their Greek letter names.
'Going Greek' means joining a fraternity or sorority. Greek life includes social chapters (parties and philanthropy), professional chapters (career networking), and honor societies. Greek organizations dominate social life at many universities, especially in the South. Members wear letters, live in chapter houses, and form bonds that last a lifetime. Critics point to hazing, exclusivity, and problematic traditions. Supporters emphasize community, philanthropy, leadership development, and networking.
Examples
- Greek life is huge at SEC schools — over half the campus is in a chapter. 在东南联盟(SEC)的大学里希腊生活非常盛行——超过一半的学生都加入了某个分会。La vida griega es enorme en las universidades del SEC — más de la mitad del campus está en un chapter.SEC(サウスイースタン・カンファレンス)の大学ではグリークライフが盛んで、キャンパスの半数以上がチャプターに所属している。SEC(사우스이스턴 컨퍼런스) 대학에서는 그리크 라이프가 엄청나——캠퍼스 절반 이상이 챕터에 소속돼 있어.
- She decided Greek life was not for her and joined clubs instead. 她觉得希腊生活不适合自己,转而加入了社团。Ella decidió que la vida griega no era para ella y se apuntó a clubes en su lugar.彼女はグリークライフは自分には合わないと判断して、代わりにサークルに入った。그녀는 그리크 라이프가 자기한테 안 맞다고 판단하고 대신 동아리에 들어갔어.
- Greek life gave me my best friends and my professional network. 希腊生活给了我最好的朋友和职业人脉。La vida griega me dio a mis mejores amigos y mi red profesional.グリークライフのおかげで最高の友人と仕事のネットワークができた。그리크 라이프 덕분에 최고의 친구들과 직업적 네트워크를 얻었어.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: college, social, organizations
Tone: varied — enthusiastic or critical
✓ Do Say
- Are you in Greek life?你加入希腊组织了吗?¿Estás en la vida griega?グリークライフに入ってるの?그리크 라이프 하고 있어?
- Greek life is not for everyone.希腊生活不适合每个人。La vida griega no es para todo el mundo.グリークライフは万人向けじゃないよね。그리크 라이프가 모든 사람에게 맞는 건 아니야.
✗ Don't Say
- Greek life has serious issues with hazing and exclusion — acknowledge them.希腊生活存在严重的入会欺凌和排斥问题——要正视这些问题。La vida griega tiene problemas serios con las novatadas y la exclusión — reconócelos.グリークライフにはヘイジングや排除の深刻な問題がある——それを認めよう。그리크 라이프에는 신고식과 배제의 심각한 문제가 있다——이를 인정할 것.
Origin & History
Phi Beta Kappa was the first Greek-letter organization (1776). Social fraternities followed in the 19th century. Greek life became a dominant force on American campuses.
Cultural Context
Era: 1800s–present
Generation: All generations (college-age)
Social background: Middle to upper class
Regional notes: All regions — especially SEC, ACC, Big Ten schools
More From This Topic
More from College Life
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free