THON Weekend 2025 has a lot of moving parts, enough to cover the entire alphabet. To help pass the time during these 46 hours, we have complied THON terms, themes and related words from “A” to “Z.”

Whether you read this article during your late-night shifts in the stands or as you scarf down an over-priced meal from the BJC concessions, read the alphabetical list below to catch up on what you have missed so far during THON Weekend 2025, and brush up on your THON knowledge.

A – Annual

THON Weekend 2025 is the 53rd annual THON Weekend at Penn State!

B – Bring the Boom

The Costco guys took social media by storm this year with their double-chunk chocolate cookies and chicken bakes, making their way into this year’s line dance. There is truly nothing like the entire BJC yelling “BOOM” while hitting the iconic “Bring the Boom” move during the Line Dance. 

C – Committee

Running around in their brightly colored shirts to their next shift, it’s these 16 different committees that work to make sure THON Weekend 2025 runs smoothly. From Hospitality to Entertainment and OPPerations, each and every student volunteer deserves a special shoutout for all of their hard work behind the scenes this weekend.

D – ‘Dancer Relation Captains To The Stage!’

No matter what time of the day or night it is, every time the crowd hears these magic words, the entire BJC crowd gets ready to bust a move to the THON 2025 Line Dance.

E – Empower

The main hook of this year’s Line Dance is, “Pump it up, empower.” As the chorus of voices in the BJC sings the phrase in unison, the phrase perfectly sums up the atmosphere of THON Weekend 2025.

F – For The Kids 

Of course, F is for For The Kids. After all, it’s why we are all here!

G – Greek Letters

Each year for THON, greek organizations design and decorate letters to hold in the stands throughout THON Weekend. You can spot these brightly lit letters frantically moving up and down with the music playing in the BJC or in the late hours of the night, slowly swaying.

H – Home for Hope 

This year’s THON theme is “A Home for Hope,” capturing THON’s overall mission of supporting and uplifting families affected by pediatric cancer. This weekend, in combination with an entire year of THON events, works to create a community of hope and inspiration for these families.

I – IDC

After diligent fundraising throughout the year and winning the dancer lottery, independent dancer couples (IDC) are now dancing the hours away at THON Weekend 2025!

J – ‘JUST IN: There Is No Fire Emergency In The Bryce Jordan Center At THON.’

This did happen, folks, multiple times. Read about it here.

K – Kids

The THON children and their brave battles with pediatric cancer are the most important part of THON Weekend. Even though we already have FTK on this list, the kids are the focal point of the weekend, so they deserve to be on this list twice.

L – Line Dance

The Line Dance is a staple of THON Weekend where we reflect on the past year’s Penn State, pop culture, and THON news via dance. It serves a dual purpose of getting a good stretch in while raising the energy of the BJC crowd. Also, this year, it’s an excuse to yell “Bring the Boom” at full volume.

M – Mail

Mail is an important aspect of THON Weekend, as it provides dancers with a much-needed boost during the weekend to keep going through all 46 hours. Reading the heartfelt words from family, friends, and fellow org members reminds the dancers of the immense support system they have cheering them on every step of the way.

N – National Act

This year’s national act was The Fray, who rocked the BJC with their famous hit songs, such as “You Found Me” and “Look After You.” The performance was a true rollercoaster of emotions, as lead singer Joe King had the BJC audience moshing to “Hurricane,” and then moved to tears during “How To Save A Life.”

O – Onward State

Of course, we had to add Penn State’s favorite student-run blog and the best place to get your THON Weekend 2025 updates. Our staffers are committed to providing you with the highest quality THON-related content for all 46 hours. Stay up to date on all things THON on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.

P – Pep Rally

The THON Pep Rally, which takes place Saturday night, features all-star choreographed dances from most of Penn State’s sports teams. This is the only time you can see Drew Allar and the rest of the football team collectively bust a move in front of a live audience. It’s a must-see event.

Q – Quality Time

Forty-six hours may seem like a long time, and it is, but it’s also the perfect time to make new friends and form new connections. Whether you are in the stands with your org, on the floor with your committee, or watching the live stream at home, supporting THON means enjoying some quality time with those around you.

R – Rules & Regulations

While these committee members might tell you to stand up or that the portal you are trying to enter is closed, these red-shirt warriors are doing the best they can to uphold THON’s safety standards. Cut them some slack.

S – Special Interest Organizations (SIO)

SIOs are orgs that have the sole purpose of raising money throughout the year for THON and/or have the Penn State Intrafraternity Council or Panhellenic Council Dance Marathon in their organization’s mission statement. These orgs are vital to furthering THON’s mission and contribute largely to the final THON total.

T – Tennis Ball

This is one item everyone in the BJC needs during THON Weekend 2025. This small but mighty green ball will be your key to avoiding cramps this weekend. Being on your feet for 46 hours tends to take a toll, and having a tennis ball is always handy to roll out when needed.

U – United

From the swaying in the stands together to each live musical performance to breaking out into a dance party during every Line Dance, all those involved in THON Weekend 2025 are united in their passion FTK.

V – Video Streaming

For those who are supporting THON outside of Happy Valley, video streaming is the main method for still being involved in all the THON festivities. 46Live streams the entirety of THON online for anyone to access, so folks across the globe can support THON from any area code.

W – Water Fountain Line

Notoriously long and full of sleep-deprived fraternity brothers, this may be one of the most dangerous places to catch yourself during THON Weekend. However, we all need to stay hydrated throughout these 46 hours, so buckle up and use this line as an opportunity to check out Onward’s State live blog to see what you’re missing while waiting in line.

X – (E)Xtravaganza

THON has definitely grown in scale since its humble origins in the HUB Ballroom in 1973. It is now an elaborate event, jam-packed with local and big-ticket musical performances, talent shows, crowd games, and more!

Y – Year-Long Effort

Even though THON Weekend happens one weekend each year, THON is a year-long effort. Students in organizations, committees, and IDCs spend the entire year fundraising FTK, connecting with THON families, and holding events to raise awareness of THON’s mission.

Z – Zero Sleep

If you were looking to get your full eight to 10 hours of sleep, THON Weekend is not that time. This almost two-day dance marathon has volunteers making the trek to the BJC at odd times and eating chicken baskets at unspeakable hours. But, we do it happily FTK!