Maggot
Pronunciation: Rhymes with "tag" and "taught"
Definition: A dirogotory term given to a pledge (see the term pledge in the Dictionary)
Attested: During the pledge season at a fraternaty.
Etymology: I don't feel like restocking the toilet paper; let's make the maggots clean the bathroom.
Etymology: This term is usually only attributed to fraternaty pledges. It refers to the standing of the pledge. Because he is not a brother yet, he is thought of by the house to be less than worthy. A maggot is a fly larvae that eats dead, decaying animal matter. By calling a pledge a maggot, the brother is implying that the pledge must be reminded that there is still a heirarchy in the frat and that he is at the lowest rung.
- Amy Gorman

Mann Library
Definition: largest agricultural library in the country; contains the largest collection of agricultural and scientific journals in the world.
Attested: I first encountered this name when I was asked to consult the Journal of Animal Science, which was housed in Mann Library.
Example: "If Mann Library ain't got it, you probably don't need it."
Etymology: Mann Library is named for Albert R. Mann, dean of the ag college from 1916 to 1931. He made countless efforts to improve the collection and referred to it as "the educational center" of the college. He was a dairy industry, rural sociology prof, registrar, editor, and Director of Cornell Experiment Station. He died in 1947, shortly before the building bearing his name was completed. The term Mann Library is known internationally for its collections, preservation program, and use of new information technologies.
- Katie Cody

Mean (noun)
mean/meen/rhymes with 'spleen'
Definition: The average score of a class on a prelim. The mean score is usually curved to at least a B in many classes.
Attested: I heard the mean being discussed immediately after my first Chem 211 prelim.
Example: "Suzy did not worry about the fact that she missed the third question because she knew that the mean was going to be very low on the prelim."
Etymology: Originally a statistical term, the definition of 'mean' has not changed much since its birth. Its importance, however, is much different at Cornell than in any other place Ìve ever been. Students here focus so much on the mean that they begin to lose interest in their individual score, so long, of course, as it is above the mean. This is a strange mindset. Students care little about their actual progress; all that matters is their relative progress. How are they doing compared to others? It will be interesting to see how this attitude serves students in the real world. Could life really be so cutthroat as to only care who is 'the best' and not care about the others who are simply 'great?' I personally hope this is not the case and the notion of the 'mean' loses importance as we travel through life.
- Josh Finberg

Meltdown (noun)
rhymes with "felt" "gown"
Definition: the act of becoming extremely angry and losing one's temper
Attested: I heard this from a fellow swimmer when I first arrived here during September.
Example: "Mike punched the wall. He had a complete meltdown."
Etymology: The term probably originated from the concept of a "nuclear" meltdown. Apparently it was then modified to apply to people. Just as a meltdown occurs when a nuclear plant gets out of control, it happens when a person gets out of control.
- John Moyer

Mixer (noun)
I. mick-ser
Definition: A meeting between a fraternity and sororiety in an attempt to create friendships
Attested: I encountered my first mixer a little bit into second semester
Example: "Boy, that mixer sucked. The sororiety didn't even show up."
Etymology: The term "mixer" refers to the mixing of the two greek houses, and a mixing of the sexes. Rarely does mixing actually occur, because most are too busy drinking. When mixing does occur, it usually involves little conversation and much bumping and grinding.
- Dave Britton
II. Pronunciation: m- rhymes with "kicks"- er
Definition: A gathering between a fraternaty and a sorority in an attempt to meet friends and/or significant others of the opposite sex.
Attested: Second semester of this year on my sorority calander
Etymology: Everyone should come to the Toga Mixer tonight because the brothers are so excited that we're coming! -my Social Chair
Etymology: Mixer comes from the term, to blend. This gathering is meant to mix people to create friendships and/or find a date. This does not happen very often because it tends to be much of an eighth grade dance with alcohol. Except on rare occasions, the girls stay with the girls, and the boys stay with the boys. It could also come from the term for the drink that has some hard alcohol and a non-alcolholic beverage, known as a mixed drink. Mixed drinks are occasionally available at such occasions.
- Amy Gorman

Morgue
sounds like the word "more" with "g" sound at the end as in "pig"
Definition: The formal Lounge on the first floor of Mary Donlon Hall.
Attested: I first encountered this word in late August, 1998, during orientation week. My Orientation Counselor said that we would meet in the Morgue for our meeting. She then explained where it was.
Example: "I do my homework in the Morgue."
Etymology: I think the word came about because it is deathly quiet in the lounge. It is also kept very cold, resembling a morgue.
-Steve Terry

mushy rice (noun).
rhymes with "bushy mice"
Definition: Chinese style rice.
Attested: I first encountered this word when a freind of mine exclaimed that RPU was serving mushy rice.
Example: "They have mushy rice!!!!"
Etymology: This word may have arisen from Cornell due to how rice starved the studnets are here. The rice they make here is by no means good. Often, it is hard and distaste full. Students have developed a word for the better tasting and more desirable mushy rice.
- Jesse Yao