The Ultimate Guide to SLU Slang

10/07/2025

Being a SLU student (or SLUdent) is a unique and fulfilling experience, but what truly sets SLU apart is the fun, community-driven slang that every SLUdent picks up during their time here. Let me introduce you to the most essential SLU slang you’ll want to know before stepping foot on campus.

A simple way that most SLU slang is created is by combining words with "SLU," turning normal, everyday words into terms more SLU-centric and fun.

Here are a few classic examples:

• SLUdent =

  a SLU student

• SLUper =

  SLU + super

• SLUtastic =

  SLU + fantastic

• SLUriffic =

  SLU + terrific – my favorite thing to say to others to brighten their day is "I hope you have a SLUrifficly SLUper day!"

• SLUmor =

  a SLU rumor, referring to light-hearted rumors that circulate about various things happening on campus

We also have some slang terms that refer to specific places and things on campus; these are just a couple more fun additions to the SLUdent vocabulary:

• SLUruba =

  One of the most beloved places on campus is our outdoor pool, also known as SLUruba. During the warmer months, many students love to hang out by the pool with friends, and sometimes clubs/organizations host barbeque gatherings there!

• SLUber =

  At SLU, we have free campus car rides that will take students within a mile radius of campus – we like to call them SLUbers.

Finally, here are a few more essential SLU slang terms I want to share. They might sound unfamiliar now, but soon enough, you'll be using them like a true SLUdent!

• Gries-squeeze =

  The Gries-squeeze happens when many people have to squeeze into an elevator at the same time. "Gries" (or Griesedieck Hall) is our largest residential hall on campus, and it is 16 stories tall. Because of this, the elevators get quite busy/full, leading to the Gries-squeeze!

• The "West Pine Effect" =

  West Pine is a long street that runs through the length of SLU’s north campus. The "West Pine Effect" is a phenomenon where, as a SLUdent walks through campus down West Pine, they almost always run into at least one person they know and stop to say hi or chat for a bit. The West Pine Effect is a perfect example of SLU’s close-knit, friendly, community feel … and I’ll admit, it’s definitely made me late to class a couple of times!

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about some of the fun SLU slang that many SLUdents use every day! While there are plenty of other unique terms floating around campus, knowing these is a great place to start.

Jasmine is a junior at Saint Louis University studying biology and Spanish. She is originally from St. Louis, Missouri.