Acronym & Stanford Speak - Cheat Sheet
A list of acronyms and terms used around the University and within various Departments. Stanford Acronym Dictionary is maintained by the University Community.
Navigate Stanford University lingo with this cheat sheet of common acronyms and slang. Key terms include The Farm (campus nickname), Cardinal (team name, not red), and "The Grind" (academic hustle). For formal terms, refer to the official Stanford Acronyms list or SLACspeak for laboratory terms.
Common Stanford Acronyms & Terms
The Farm: Nickname for the Stanford campus, originating from Leland Stanford's Palo Alto Stock Farm.
Cardinal: The official color and team name (not "Cardinals" or "Indians").
The Axe & Palm (TAP): Popular late-night dining spot.
5-SURE: A free safe-ride program for students at night.
DAPER: Department of Athletics, Physical Education & Recreation.
CAW: Cardinal at Work (Human Resources).
GFS: Graduate Financial Support.
NSO: New Student Orientation.
SLAC: SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (formerly Stanford Linear Accelerator Center).
ASSU: Associated Students of Stanford University.
CoHo: Coffee House (in Tresidder Memorial Union).
Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band (LSJUMB): Known for being unconventional.
Stanford Speak / Slang
Grind: A popular term for intense studying or working hard.
Crunchy: Describes a laid-back, eco-conscious, or "granola" lifestyle.
"That's facts" / "Big facts": Affirmation of a true or relatable statement.
Suss: Short for suspicious, used to describe questionable situations.
Bet: Used as an exclamation of agreement or affirmation.
Approaching Stanford: The office/process for incoming undergraduate students.
"Die Luft der Freiheit weht": The university motto, translated as "The wind of freedom blows".
Academic & Geographic Terms
"Top of the Tressider": Referring to the upper level of the student union.
MemChu: Memorial Church.
MemAud: Memorial Auditorium.
U-Acre: University Acre.
The Oval: The large green space at the end of Palm Drive.