Greek Life Terminology

Sorority terminology refers to the specific words and phrases commonly used within college sororities—social organizations for women that promote sisterhood, leadership, academic achievement, philanthropy, and personal growth. These organizations often follow long-standing traditions and use a shared language to describe their membership process, internal roles, and events. For someone new to the experience, the terminology can be unfamiliar at first but plays an important role in understanding and participating in sorority life.

For example, a “PNM” stands for Potential New Member, which is a term used for someone who is exploring the opportunity to join a sorority. When a sorority decides to invite a PNM to become a member, they extend a “bid,” which is a formal invitation. Once someone joins, they may be paired with a “Big,” an older member who serves as a mentor and guide, while the new member is referred to as a “Little.” Other terms may relate to specific ceremonies, leadership positions, or sisterhood events that are unique to each chapter but still rooted in shared traditions across campuses. This terminology not only helps members communicate more easily but also strengthens the sense of belonging and identity within the sorority community.

PNM (Potential New Member)

  • What it stands for: Potential New Member

  • What it means: A student who is interested in joining a sorority and is participating in the recruitment process.

  • Example: “During recruitment week, all the PNMs visited different sorority houses to learn more about them.”

Bid

  • What it means: A formal invitation to join a sorority.

  • When it’s used: After a sorority decides they want a PNM to become part of their sisterhood.

  • Example: “She was so excited when she got her bid on Bid Day!”

Bid Day

  • What it means: The final day of the recruitment process when PNMs receive and accept their bids.

  • What happens: It’s a celebratory event filled with cheering, welcome signs, photos, and bonding activities.

  • Example: “Bid Day was amazing—everyone wore matching shirts and ran home to their new chapters.”

Big / Little

  • What it means: A mentorship pairing within the sorority.

    • Big: An older member who mentors a new member.

    • Little: A newer member who is mentored.

  • Purpose: To provide guidance, friendship, and support within the sorority.

  • Example: “My Big helped me so much during my first semester and was one of my biggest supporters.”

Chapter

  • What it means: A specific branch of a sorority at a particular college or university.

  • Example: “Our chapter meets every Monday night to talk about upcoming events and philanthropy projects.”

Philanthropy

  • What it means: A cause or charity that a sorority supports through volunteer work or fundraising.

  • Example: “Our sorority’s philanthropy is focused on women’s health, and we host an annual 5K to raise money.”

Panhellenic

  • What it means: Short for the “Panhellenic Council,” the governing body for all sororities on campus.

  • Role: Organizes recruitment, promotes unity, and supports collaboration among sororities.

  • Example: “She’s on Panhellenic, so she helps plan recruitment events for all the sororities.”