At Deerfield Academy, students are tasked with juggling a litany of responsibilities: classes, homework, co-curricular activities, clubs, socializing, are all some of students’ top priorities, and are essential to feeling acclimated to Deerfield life. However, just as essential is getting accustomed to the unique language that Deerfield students use.   Acronyms, nicknames, and abbreviations litter the vocabulary of Deerfield students, and being new to this Wild West of the language world can be daunting. Fret not! We are here to help! New students, especially, listen up! This… is Deerfield Slang 101:

Scheme:

If you’re even as much as 1% versed in the social culture of Deerfield, you’ve undoubtedly heard this term used. 

Noun – The subject of one’s current romantic interest and pursuit. 

Ex. “Jerry Huang is my new scheme.”

Verb – The act of romantically pursuing someone.

Ex. “I heard you’re trying to scheme that new girl in your math class!”

Buy in:

A popularly propagated Deerfield colloquialism that encourages students to appreciate the time and experiences they have at Deerfield.

Prepositional Verb – To actively participate in, and attempt to enjoy, the happenings of Deerfield culture, tradition, and daily life.

Ex. “Dude get out of your room and come to the hockey game—buy in.”

Bleed Green:

If you bleed green, you most likely buy in. (See how these all build on each other!) No, Deerfield students’ blood isn’t actually green—however, I wouldn’t be surprised if Peter Shea’s were.

Verb Phrase – A remarkable exhibition of school spirit from a Deerfield student.

Ex: “You see how rowdy he got when we scored? That kid definitely bleeds green.”

Shriv (at the Riv):

A Deerfield tradition started in 2017 where every Friday morning (administration and weather-permitting) students venture into the depths of the Deerfield River.

Noun – The shortened name of the Friday morning tradition “Shriv at the Riv.” 

Ex: “Wanna go to Shriv tomorrow morning with me?”

Verb – To swim in the Deerfield River. 

Ex: “Wanna shriv after soccer practice?”

Feed: 

The highlight of many students’ time intervals between 9:45 and 10:15 PM. It’s always been a feed. It is a feed. It will always be a feed.  I ain’t never heard of a “snack.”

Noun – Food given to students after curfew by proctors, hall residents, or hall associates.

Ex: “I accidentally fell asleep at 9:00 PM and missed the feed. I’m so sad.”

Well there you have it! Here is just a small sample of the myriad of terms unique to the Deerfield community. You are now ready to drop your new vocabulary in everyday conversations. Happy speaking!