Parents, friends, family, and acquaintances, we know how daunting the “Gen Z” language can be. Parents become confused, looking up phrases on TikTok but not getting the full explanation they’re looking for. Your friend, child, or coworker might be saying things you don’t quite understand, and you just want to be a part of it.

While we aren’t Urban Dictionary, we compiled a list of “Penn State Slang” that might help you fit into your next conversation better. We’ve even included some sentence examples to make it click a little more. Remember, sometimes saying things out loud makes a difference, so here’s your chance. FaceTime your little Penn Stater and ask if you’re using the term right!

FTK

“For The Kids.” This is a popular slogan/abbreviation associated with Penn State’s annual THON. This is often chanted by students, alumni, and spectators during the marathon. The phrase has been trademarked by Penn State.

Examples:

1. We participate in THON and raise money for pediatric cancer because it is FTK.
2. Fabiola will be dancing in THON 2026, and she is doing this all For The Kids. We are so proud of her!

THON

A student-run philanthropic event held at Penn State, where over 16,500 students participate annually. The event involves 46 hours of standing and dancing to raise funds for childhood cancer research and to support the children and families affected by childhood cancer.

Examples:

1. I go to Penn State for a ton of different reasons, but the biggest one is that I get to participate in THON.
2. As a freshman at Penn State, it is important to get involved. There are a ton of special-interest THON organizations that are the perfect fit for many!

Bloop/Whoop

The Blue Loop and White Loop. These are abbreviated single words to describe the buses that transport students at Penn State. The Blue Loop is a transportation service that operates free of charge for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. It serves a circular route around campus and downtown and operates every day from 4:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. The White Loop is about the same thing, taking a slightly different route, and serves as an ADA-accessible shuttle service.

Examples:

1. Oh man, my class is such a far walk… good thing I can take the bloop!
2. Hey, later, do you want to take the whoop from East to downtown?

State Patty’s

This is known as Penn State’s version of St. Patrick’s Day. Often celebrated the week after THON weekend, students come together to celebrate by partying all day long and hitting the bars all weekend. The best part is that this is a “holiday” celebrated so that students don’t miss out on St. Patrick’s Day during spring break, although the holiday hasn’t fallen on spring break in over 15 years.

Example:

1. Dude, I can’t wait to hit ZBT for State Patty’s. We have to go buy some green.
2. Where are you getting your State Patty’s shirt? I’m thinking we can go to Family Clothesline.

Darty

Known at other schools as “dages” or “day-longs”, a Darty is simply a party that takes place during the day. Usually starting a little after noon, students will party all day until sunset and do it over and over again. It is important to note that this doesn’t happen all the time. It happens more often during sylly week or around State Patty’s.

Examples:

1. Make sure you set your alarm for tomorrow, there will be a bunch of darty’s for us to go to.
2. I don’t feel good. I think it’s because of that darty from earlier today. I am never rallying ever again.

HUB

An abbreviation for the Hetzel Union Building. Not a single student at Penn State calls it by its full biological name. The HUB works just fine.

Examples:

1. I’d love to go out later, but I am going to the HUB to get some work done.
2. It’s snowing out! Let’s go to HUB lawn and try to build a snowman or sled.

We Are

Are we serious? No comment here. If you hear a “We Are,” you must say “Penn State” in return and maybe crawl out from the rock you live under.

Examples:

1. “We Are“… “Penn State”