Oct 26, 2013; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies Yell Leaders lead the team onto the field against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
This Saturday #6 Texas A&M comes to town to face #12 Mississippi State – it’s the highest combined ranking (18) of any two teams playing in Starkville since 1992 (#2 Bama vs. #16 MSU). There are likely to be a number of Texas Aggies making the trip, and while they may be wearing the same colors as MSU fans in Adidas apparel that looks just like a MSU fan, you’ll be able to point them out when they start shouting foreign terms you’ve never heard.
Consider this an informational post to inform you of their ways, how to understand what they’re saying, and arm you with the knowledge that they are not inebriated or potentially dangerous, just overly traditional.
Midnight Yell – every Friday night before a football game a group of Aggies will start practicing their cheers. They will sing some songs and do other Aggie stuff. This includes road games, and for this week’s game they will be in Ridgeland….a good one hour and 45 minutes away from campus.
Reveille – this isn’t just a dog mascot. No, this is the first lady of Texas A&M. The “most powerful dog in the world” (I’m not joking, that’s what the official website says). She is the highest ranking of the Corps of Cadets (glorified ROTC, no military affiliation). If a Texas Aggie starts gazing into the wondrous eyes of the Collie, don’t be alarmed…it’s normal behavior.
The 12th man – I don’t know if their student section, or any portion of it will be attending a road game 600 miles away, but if they do just know they stand the entire game. If you’re seating behind one/some of them just accept this. Also, if you’re sitting near some A&M students you’ll need to know the following:
- Fish = freshman
- Pisshead = sophomore
- Serge Butt = junior
- Zips = senior
Good Bull – I always thought the website “Good Bull Hunting” was just using the similar movie title in reference to Texas until I did this research. Apparently a “good bull” is an Aggie who conforms to A&M traditions. Conversely, “bad bull” would be an Aggie acting like a normal fan.
Gig ‘Em – this is their battle cry, like we use “Hail State” or “go State”.
Hiss – Aggies don’t “boo”, they “hiss”. This is not to be confused with the term “boo hiss”.
Hullaballo, Caneck! Caneck! – I just can’t picture an actual human saying this but if it happens I warned you.
Yell leaders – cheerleaders. They are all male – no females (this might be a violation of SEC rules). They save the girls for basketball.
Whoop – it’s a big privilege to be able to say “whoop”, you have to be an upperclassman. I’m not kidding.
Wildcat – Aggies have a name for the hand motion they do after each yell, and this is it.
War Hymn – this is their fight song.
Spirit of Aggieland – the last thing we want to see are Texas A&M players swaying with their arms around each other, smiling because they just beat us, and singing their alma mater.
This seems like a lot, but there are actually many more. These just pertain to football, and you will probably see some used if you run across some Aggies at the game.