Learn the unofficial terms, abbreviations, acronyms, and sayings of Gator Nation.
The Swamp:
Common name to refer to the UF Football Stadium (Florida Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium), also a popular restaurant nearby. “The Swamp,” was nickname given by Steve Spurrier, because, “in the swamp only Gators get out alive.”
The French Fries:
UF students like to “ketchup” with the tradition of having their picture taken at a campus landmark that looks like two enormous stacks of French fries. Known to students as “Fries,” this unique landmark is actually called “Alachua,” named after a Native American culture dating back centuries.
The Set:
Turlington Plaza has some of the highest student traffic on campus. During the day, you will find students performing, flyering, playing four square or just sharing their day with others. If you want to know about events taking place on campus, this is the place to visit. The name "Set" has historic significance to our Black community.
IBC:
In April of 1971, the Black Student Union (BSU) of the University of Florida submitted a list of demands to then president, Stephen O’Connell, calling for a number of programs and initiatives to improve the campus climate for Black students. The student protests motivated the University administration to act and in the fall of 1971, the Institute of Black Culture (IBC) was established. For more than 40 years, the IBC has been a home away from home for numerous students. The IBC continues to function as a resource for all members of the university community by providing educational, social, and cultural programming, cultivating student leadership, and building on its founding legacy of social justice.
La Casita:
In 1994, Hispanic and Latino students at UF, growing in numbers on campus petitioned for the space. Their vision was a place where Hispanic and Latino students could hang out, learn from one another and just have a space that was their own. This was a team effort of administrators, Hispanic faculty and staff and of course students. In May of 1994, the house was dedicated at the Institute for Hispanic-Latino Cultures. The space is also affectionately known as La Casita. La Casita has a long standing history at UF. It has helped students feel connected with other students as well as academically. La Casita holds significance because it has served as a home-away-from-home for the last 20 years. Many student organizations have started in this space and have grown because of the support and connections students have made at La Casita.
FBK:
Florida Blue Key (FBK) is the oldest and most prestigious leadership honorary in the state of Florida. Founded in 1923 from the best and brightest leaders at the University of Florida – Florida’s preeminent university – to host Dad’s Day, Florida Blue Key focuses on leadership and public service to the University of Florida and the Sunshine State through its active chapter and alumni societies throughout Florida. Florida Blue Key hosts and organizes the annual University of Florida Homecoming festivities including Gator Growl – the largest student run pep rally in the world – for more than 90 years. Members are typically referred to
as “Keys.”
Cicerones:
The Florida Cicerones are the Student Ambassadors to the University of Florida. Cicerones are considered the linkbetween the past, present and future Gators, and represent the University at various functions throughout the year. The Florida Cicerones work directly with the Alumni Association to create meaningful interaction between alumni and current students. Cicerones that support presidential events including athletic events and formal events at the presidents house.
SG:
The University of Florida Student Government, established in 1909, exists to represent and act in the interests of the students. Student Government supports academic and extra-curricular programs to benefit students. SG’s power is balanced among three branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial.
