Random (adjective).
wr·n-dum, /randem/; sounds like "hand in"
Definition: non-sequitor, not having a logical reason for being and, furthermore, not needing a logical reason for being.
Attested: I first heard this during my sophomore year in high school, yet it did not become popular until my senior year when the ÏpopularÓ kids began to drop it in everyday conversations.
Example: "I was feeling bored last Friday, so I just wandered around Collegetown until I ended up at some random party."
Etymology: Though I heard some usage of this word before coming to Cornell, it entered my ears much more often after my matriculation. I donÌt believe it is specifically endemic to the Cornell community, but I do think that it is mostly used on college campuses and by college-aged kids. Though a mathematical term, its birth has little to do with science. In many ways, "random" is used as a justification for a person's actions. When someone describes an event or object as "random," it is as if the person is letting his or her audience know, "normally, I would not be in this situation, but this was out of ordinary so I did it anyway." "Random" events usually have some sketchy or shady elements, as these seem to add to the abnormality of the entire situation.
-Josh Finberg

Registrar
Definition: a person responsible for scheduling classes and maintaining academic standards.
Attested: I first learned of this term when I needed a copy of my transcript.
Example: "You better tiptoe around the registrar, she has a mean reputation."
Etymology: This term is not specific to Cornell. They are found across all college campuses. I was not familiar with the term until I entered Cornell, however. The registrar office for the ag college has a reputation for having unfriendly secretaries. This is actually the case in many offices across the campus. But maybe if we were sitting in their seat, we would appreciate where they are coming from. The term registrar is likely a spin-off of the word register, since the registrar actually does register things. And it seems like their day revolves around doing stuff like that.
- Katie Cody

Residence halls
Definition: Cornell term for a dormitory.
Attested: I first encountered this term after I received my Cornell Bound information including housing information.
Example: "Which residence hall are you living in next year?"
Etymology: Cornell is fussy. Instead of using common terminology, they insist on calling a dorm a residence hall. I reality, this is their description of a dorm. However, they have to have a separate name for other types of houses. These include Program Houses, such as JAM and Cooperative Living Units. They are all a place to hang your hat for the night, and make some friends along the way. Cornell probably likes to make them sound more appealing by saying they are residence hall, compared to an academic hall. The term is specific to Cornell. The irony is that everyone refers to residence halls as dorms anyway.
- Katie Cody

ResNet (noun)
rez-net/, rhymes with "pez" "bet"
Definition: a service that allows you to connect your personal computer directly to the Cornell Campus Network and Internet from your dorm room.
Attested: I first heard this word when I was reading through materials that Cornell had sent me.
Example: A main benefit to living on campus is ResNet because you can use it for convenient computer connections.
Etymology: This word, particular to Cornell University, is the shortened version of Residence Hall Network Serivce. ResNet allows students to have direct connections to the Cornell campus network, Bear Access and the internet, straight from their rooms.
- Heidi Nguyen

Robert Cohen
Definition: author of the novel, Milk: The Deadly Poison.
Attested: I first encountered this man when I heard he was coming to Cornell to lecture.
Example: "Robert Coven has no knowledge of what he is talking about, and makes up information so he can earn money."
Etymology: In reality, Robert Cohen weighs about 300 pounds. He came to Cornell in October to protest milk consumption and promote veganism. He has no understanding that all if his claims are bullshit. He is ignorant and proud. He is well known only to animal rights wackos. His mane evokes hatred from dairy farmers, and respect from brainwashed vegans. Agriculture will persevere. He is a real estate agent attacking some of the hardest working epople in America.
- Katie Cody

RPU (noun)
R-Pooh, rhymes with shoe Definition: The central dining facility for north campus.
Attested: The became the prevalent name after most had experienced the food.
Example: Let's go get some RPU!
Etymology: This name is just in many ways, although one can get a decent meal at RPU. Unfortunately, one can also get some really awful food. Other variations on the theme include RooPoo.
-Dave Britton

Rush (noun)
pronounce like "crush"
Definition: The activity during which all of the fraternities and sororities are trying to attract new members. The houses are open so that potential pledges can visit.
Attested: I heard about the rush process when I first came to Cornell during September. I then experienced it later this year.
Example: Did you visit any frats during rush?
Etymology: This term probably arose as a description of what the fraternities and sororities do during the period. They rush to find prospective new members and attract them to their house.
- John Moyer