With friendly people everywhere — strangers greeting you or smiling when they pass you on campus — BYU-Idaho is a unique place.
With this uniqueness comes a certain vocabulary that, if not recorded, will eventually take over our language and we will not be able to communicate with the outside world — much like the people of Zarahemla.
Herein lies a dictionary of the BYU-I language.
So as to not overwhelm, we’ll begin with a term that is not extremely unique and is used often in neighboring Latter-day Saint communities. An RM is a returned missionary.
Preemie is a related term. It stands for pre-missionary. There are many 17 to 19-year-old men on campus who will soon find a long-standing prejudice against them by the opposite sex simply because of this classification.
There are some words or letters that require little explanation after you learn what they mean. Devo is short for devotional. The Manwaring Center is always referred to as the MC. IF stands for Idaho Falls. Home Evening is referred to as FHE.
In order to date in Rexburg, other terms should be known as well. DTRs can be good or bad, as having a DTR is to sit down with a member of the opposite sex and define the relationship.
NCMOs are greatly frowned upon, yet are common enough that we have a term for them. It stands for non-committal make out.
When people say “ah snap” during conversation, they are not doing their impression of a twig being stepped on. It is usually used in place of astounding or remarkable. It can also be used to express irritation or displeasure.
Those wondering how to reference a close place to go skiing or snowboarding, Targhee Ski Resort, will realize that the only acceptable term to use is The Ghee.
Teachers and speakers at devotional will commonly refer to the “Spirit of Ricks.” “The Spirit of Ricks is the Holy Ghost and its attendant spiritual gifts,” said Elder David A. Bednar.
Though you may still be confused with people singing robustly while walking on campus, at least now talking to the natives will be a breeze.
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