bicker (n): A three-day
rite of passage held annually at Princeton University, during which (mostly) Sophomores indirectly compete with each other to gain entry into one of the University’s prestigious exclusive Eating Clubs (Ivy, Cottage, Tiger Inn,
Cap & Gown, Tower). Though there is a general spirit of camaraderie among the Sophomores during this time, it is well known that each is vying for an ultimately limited number of spots and must thus outshine the others in the eyes of the upperclassmen club members in order to be accepted.
bicker (v) 1: To
prostrate oneself before the members of one of Princeton’s selective Eating Clubs, for the purpose of gaining admission. Bickering typically involves extensive interaction with club members in an attempt to impress them, along with a willingness to submit to various hazing rituals. To do so, the goal of moving up the social hierarchy must be held as a higher priority than dignity.
bicker (v) 2: To examine potential future members of an exclusive
Eating Club in order to decide whether to grant them admission. Typically used to describe individual interactions between a
club member and a Sophomore.