The Varying "Lingo" within Lawrenceville

At Lawrenceville, two-syllable words are frowned upon. The long, boring, and old names of things around campus are replaced by newer, more exciting, and shorter nicknames. From the classroom to Main Street, abbreviations appear everywhere. Teachers and faculty alike have become prolific speakers of the Lawrenceville “Lingo.” It is common knowledge that any word that can be shortened will definitely be shortened. Even if the phrases are not used campus-wide, friend groups often establish their own set of terms. 

Starting with a term commonly used by everyone on campus and even other schools, Lawrenceville is often abbreviated to “L’ville.” While the abbreviations are mainly used for convenience during texting, they have quickly snuck its way into the spoken world beyond our screens. Many of the school's sports accounts use “L’ville” instead of Lawrenceville to shorten their handles. “L’ville” is almost always used when texting with friends or even family, helping Lawrentians save two seconds of their precious time and avoid the risk of accidentally spelling “Lawrecneville.”

The buildings around campus are known by two alternate names: the name inscribed above the external door frames, and the other what is heard in between passing periods. Father’s Building is referred to as “Pop,” and Woods Memorial Hall simply gets called “Mem.” Destiny Ortega ’26 explains that “it feels like you’re a true Lawrentian only once you start using ‘Mem’ and ‘Pop’ in everyday conversation.”

Similarly, there are many Lawrentian-exclusive insider acronyms. The Kirby Arts Center gets called the KAC, and the Kirby Math and Science Center becomes the KMSC. Leaving the academic realm, seven Houses out of the eleven have shortened their names to one syllable. As heard from members of “McC, Stan, Steve, Dick, Wood, and Gris”, the nickname of the House makes it feel more personal. Carolyn Levine ’96 P ’26 explained that “when the girl's Houses were added on campus they did not have the same nicknames that the boys did so seeing that experience spread from the circle to the crescent is near and dear to my heart.” As a secret bonus, the nickname of a House can lead to some pretty epic cheers during House Olympics. 

While many believe the “L’ville Lingo” starts and stops at the buildings, it sneaks its way into the classroom and House as well. Harkness table terms like “fac-brat” and “Harkness warrior” often appear. The infamous  “Harkness warrior” is a Lawrentian who hogs the conversation around the table and makes sure their opinion is heard first and foremost. Often known to be on the prowl for an opening in conversation, at least one of these so-called “warriors” lurk in every class. Another legendary term thrown around campus is the “fac-brat”: A student whose parent works at Lawrenceville as a faculty member. To many fac-brats, the term can carry a derogatory meaning. Vivian Teeley ’24, whose mother, Bernadette Teeley P’24, serves as the Department Chair of the English Department, said that the term “fac brat” makes her feel “like a rat, which is what [her] friends thought whenever a certain someone rode past [her] on his/her bike and screamed ‘fac-brat.’[at her]” Moments like these show how the “Lingo” used at Lawrenceville produces moments like these that will become memories to look back on.

A term used often around the Bathhouse is “buff-chick” which refers to a buffalo chicken flatbread. While most people on campus do not use this word in their everyday lives, many Lawrentians have adopted these terms to convenience their lives.

Two other commonly used phrases are “The Josh” and “P Cow.” Although Purple Cow has closed its doors, the memories from inside have continued to live on. Especially since Gingered Peach, also known as “GP,”took over “P Cow” to keep their legacy alive. The Gingered Peach is beloved by all for its scrumptious pastries and last-minute birthday gifts. With their takeover of “P Cow,” it seems as though there is nothing “GP” doesn’t have. Well, maybe one thing—being open on Sundays. However, on Sundays, many students find themselves participating in house bonding at “The Josh.” There is no better place to be on campus than the ropes course. “The Josh '' is home to the Ropes Course Instructors (RCIs) and holds freshman orientation in the fall. The Josh is named after Joshua L. Miner, the man who developed the course. Miner attended Phillips Exeter Academy and was involved with numerous boarding schools during his life. Included in Miner’s agenda for bringing the boarding experience to many was his creation of Outward Bound, an organization that promotes trips and outdoor exposure. (Through Outward Bound), Lawrenceville was blessed with its wonderful ropes course. 

A huge part of Lawrenceville is the common language that connects all students together inside and outside the classroom. The “Lingo” at Lawrenceville really is unique to the school and in turn, creates a unique atmosphere. The Lawrenceville Lingo forms the campus into one.