"Fraternity" and "Sorority" (from the Latin words frater and soror, meaning "brother" and "sister" respectively) may be used to describe many social and charitable organizations, for example the Lions Club, Rotary International, Kiwanis, Optimist International, or the Shriners.

In the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, however, fraternities and sororities are most commonly known as social organizations for undergraduate students at colleges and universities. There are also analogous, but less common, organizations for secondary students.

The term "fraternities", often colloquially shortened to "frats", generally refers to all-male or mixed-sex organizations. The female-only equivalent is usually called a "sorority", a word first coined in 1874 at Gamma Phi Beta at Syracuse University; before this, societies for either sex were called "fraternities." Some women's organizations continue to prefer to be called "women's fraternities".

At times, the term "social fraternity" is used to refer to four-year, undergraduate, (and frequently residential), fraternities as distinct from other kinds of university societies that may have Greek-letter names, such as recognition or honorary societies, departmental or professional societies, ethnic or religious societies, or any other type of organization. "Social fraternity" is used because these organizations are primarily for social and no other purposes.

The names of North American fraternities and sororities generally consist of two or three Greek letters, often the initials of a Greek motto. For this reason, fraternities and sororities are known collectively as a Greek Community or Greek Society and its members as Greeks. The use of Greek letters started with the first such organization, Phi Beta Kappa. There are exceptions including "Acacia", "FarmHouse", and "Triangle", and the eating clubs and secret societies at some Ivy League colleges, such as Skull and Bones at Yale.

Further information: List of social fraternities and sororities, service fraternities and sororities, professional fraternity, and honour society
The most recognizable form of fraternity is the social fraternity, which present themselves as societies to help their members better themselves in a social setting. Other types of fraternities are chartered for (and not just emphasize) service to the community, professional advancement, or scholastic achievement.

Classification can also be made along religious lines, geographic extent, gender requirements (single-sex or co-ed), cultural or multicultural emphasis, and time of founding. Secret Societies are usually categorized separately from other types of fraternities.

Membership in a Greek organization may be restricted to, or favor, members of a certain race, religion or national origin, although some colleges now actively discourage or ban groups that have such restrictions. Such membership rules have been a major objection to the presence of fraternities and sororities on college campuses, but in the past have provided such groups with distinct personalities and culture.

There is a distinct set of Black fraternities and sororities for students of African descent. The institutions are largely identitical and have virtually all the parallel structures and relations. Black students are not specifically barred from the non-Black fraternities, and there is black membership, especially in the Northeast and West. One chapter of Psi Upsilon at the university of Pennsylvania has been entirely Black for some years.

Most fraternities were originally organized on one campus. A one campus fraternity would be called a "local". A local can authorize chapters of the same name at other campuses. After the first authorized chapter, a local would be considered a "national", even if with only two chapters. Given the development over the past 180 years, North America now has several large nationals with hundreds of chapters, and the liklihood of any one local now growing to such a scale is small. A local can join one of the pre-existing nationals, and that would be the most typical growth pattern. Two or more nationals can also merge, and some of the larger nationals were created by merger. Several nationals are international, usually only implying chapters in Canada.

The central business office of the organization also commonly referred to as the "national". The national may place certain requirements on individual chapters to standardize rituals and policies regarding membership, housing, finances, or behavior. These policies are generally codified in a constitution and bylaws. Fraternities may once have been governed by the original chapter, but virtually all have adopted some version of governance with executive officers who report to a board of trustees, and 'legislative' body consisting of periodic conventions of delegates from all the chapters.

Most fraternities and sororities today maintain traditions which are generally symbolic in nature and closely guarded secrets, calling it their Ritual. They include an initiation ceremony, but may also include passwords, songs, handshakes, and the form of meeting, amongst other things. Meetings of the active members are generally secret and not to be discussed without the formal approval of the chapter as a whole.

For organizations with Greek letters composing their name, these letters are the initials of a motto (such as Delta Upsilon), a set of virtues (such as Alpha Kappa Lambda), or the history of its organization (such as Phi Tau).

Fraternities and sororities often have a number of distinctive emblems, such as colours, flags, flowers, in addition to a badge (or pin), crest, and/or seal. An open motto (indicating that the organization has a "secret motto" as well) is used to express the unique ideals of a fraternity or sorority.

Philanthropy is usually made a part of any fraternity's or sorority's program and supported by all active members. Typically, a chapter will either engage in fund-raising activities or the members volunteer for programs. These either benefit the academic community or the public at large. There can also be long-term relationships between a particular fraternity or sorority and one of the large national disease-specific foundations.

Apparel, (shirts, pants, bags, jewelry, key chains) is often worn by members with their Greek letters on them. These shirts and other articles may later be used for a Pass Down Ceremony between seniors and fellow members. Seniors may choose to pass down some or all of the clothing they own that is associated with the sorority. Some of the shirts are ten or more years old and in some chapters, girls will compete for them. In those chapters, generally members feel it is an honor to have older artifacts. At some institutions, it is considered inappropriate to wear apparel with the society's name when the member is consuming alcohol. It is considered disrespectful to have their letters on when drinking, regardless of their age.

Membership pins are not worn at all times. They are limited to times of professional or business dress, also known as “Pin Attire.” The pins are kept forever, they are not expected to return them or hand them down.

Fraternity and sorority houses unique among most campus organizations, are wher members of social fraternities and sororities often live together in a large house or distinct part of the university dormitories. This can help emphasize the "bonds of brotherhood (or sisterhood)" and provide a place of meeting for the members of the organization as well as alumni. For reasons of cost, liability, and stability, housing is usually owned or overseen by an alumni corporation or the national headquarters of the fraternity or sorority. As a result, some houses have visitor restrictions, and some national organizations restrict or prohibit alcohol on the premises.

At some colleges where Greeks do not have residential houses for the general membership, they may still have chapter houses where meals are served for their membership and guests.

The process of joining a fraternity or sorority commonly begins with a "formal recruitment" period, often called "rush week," usually consists of events and activities designed for members and potential members to learn about each other and the organization. At the end of the formal recruitment period, organizations give "bids," or invitations to membership. Most organizations have a period of "pledgeship" before extending full membership. Some organizations have changed the name of pledgeship due to negative connotations to the process, or have given up the process in favor of other joining requirements. Upon completion of the pledgeship and all its requirements, the active members will invite the pledges to be initiated and become full members. Initiation often includes secret ceremonies and rituals.

Requirements may be imposed on those wishing to pledge either by the school or the organization itself, often including a minimum grade point average, wearing a pledge pin, learning about the history and structure of the fraternity or sorority, and performing public service. When a school places an age or tenure requirement on joining, this is called "deferred recruitment," as joining is deferred for a semester or year. The pledgeship period also serves as a probationary period in the fraternity or sorority membership process where both the organization and the pledge decide they are compatible and will have a fulfilling experience.

Hazing can be defined as the ritualistic harassment, abuse, or persecution of individuals in a group.

Because of the association of fraternities with hazing, some schools banned fraternities as early as the mid-1800s. Hazing began to be officially banned at the national and international levels of fraternities and sororities, is against many colleges' Greek Codes, and is illegal in most U.S. states. The North-American Interfraternity Conference also requires anti-hazing education for members, as do many Greek organizations and universities. Hazing can result in the revocation of the local chapter's charter, and expulsion of members from the national organization or university.

In Hank Nuwer’s “Wrongs of Passage: Fraternities, Sororities, Hazing, and Binge Drinking,” a list is provided of the different techniques and activates are considered hazing—“burning, sexual favors, drugs, kidnapping, branding, bribes”—on American college campuses.These inhumane acts towards incoming members have been an issue focused on in Greek Letter Societies. On the University of Nevada, Reno campus, Alpha Tau Omega was accused and proven guilty of hazing early in the spring semester of 2008 because some pledges were branded on the buttocks and sought medical treatment for unspecified problems it caused.

Because of popular movies and television shows that portray Greek organizations hazing their new members, many people have a negative look on fraternities and sororities; the stereotypes are reinforced by the occasional news report. Some college students and their parents are opposed to Greeks because of these ideas.
- Princeton

Hey brit-chick, have you heard about sites called google, or yahoo? It's really needless to post a forum topic about things that are extremely easy to look after.
- Viktorious

of cours i heard about google you pratt, i just wanted to hear from some-one whos been in a frat or sorority. bloody idiot!
- brit-chick

Just chill out honey, why are you so frustrated? Did your boyfriend dump you, or what? Up there, you were asking the "basic facts" about greek life, not the specific things you know only if you're involved.

So to avoid making the impression that you can't do anything from yourselves, make some research before you ask something.
And get another guy that "helps" you to calm down.
- Viktorious

wot u on about, ur a nutter!
- brit-chick

well idk either what does that mean and noone here has answered ur question sorry I cant help u



best things to u
- celaine93

Idk why you ask this stuff if you don't have it, but okay. Fraternities (guys) came first, then sororities (girls) later on. They use Greek symbols that are letters as well as standing for the principles of the frat/sorority. You live in they same house with girls, wayyy better living conditions, make friends, and keeps you motivated to stick to your school work and get jobs and internships bc there are extras like study time requirements, etc. The greek system is known for better parties than dorms, but lame compared to parties in city schools. You have to do alot of extra stuff like your frat/sorority events and functions and vollunteer work. Can be fun if your having real trouble making friends.
Pledges are when you are a freshman, still in dorms, and doing crazy stuff to get into the greek house of your choice. when you look at all the house on rush night, it's called rushing. just go on the greek tv show website and they can tel you more! ttyl
- viarockgirl14

er, viarockgirl, i said tha coz i wanna go to a uni in america!
- brit-chick

brit-chick, you are a hopeless fool. Your comments on the topics showed how retarded, uneducated, messed up pathetic being you are.
- Viktorious

viktorious why are u so angry all the time, u aint been gettin pussy lately?
- brit-chick

If you happen to go to school in The south,then learn your Greek Letters cuz they get confusing when your trying to rush. I'm rushing Theta Xi Fraternity. Alabama is probably the most crucial one when it's becoming Greek!
- Eric

Viktorious IS pathetic because he likes to call people names. why don't you be a man? don't fight with your words because then the whole world knows your a pussy.
- sam425

wow sam ur the pathetic one. you talk so much sh1t when u won't ever see these ppl. i'd money on a ****in 12-year old in a fight against you. ur probly some little punk who gets f-ed with at school and this is ur only way to try to feel like a man. really man if i ever see you i'll ask you to fight me. and even if you have the balls to get into it, i'll whoop your ass in a heartbeat.
- hopeful2getin

haha. Id like to see a nerd like you even think about fighting outside your computer room. real life isn't like a dungeons and dragons game boy.

and you say I talk ****?? just look back at what you wrote dumbass. And here I thought kids like you would have more class. Guess I was wrong.
- sam425

I may have gotten into an Ivy league university but that doesn't mean I am a nerd.

I hold three state titles in both pole vaulting and competetive diving.

Just because I am smart does not mean that I am not strong.
- Princeton

wot eva princeton now ur braggin, hopeful2getin is a lowlife. he aint got a gf so he wanks over a picture of his fat mum in her bra and knickers .
- brit-chick

Sam are you calling me a nerd too. I mean I didn't study once during high school or for anytime before that and still got straight As! I also got into EVERY college I applied to. So are you calling me a nerd? I don't like video games I think they may cause brain damage! Which is yet another reason why I'm so busy! If I talk to you, you're worthy. If I don't you're not. That's just how it is! I for one have more class than that! DUH!

I DO realize how stuck-up-prep-school-girl that sounds, but if you're on my friends list, you're worthy! if you're not you're not!

Now, back to the inital question. A fraternity is for guys. Sororities are for girls. Pledges are the people who want in. In most cases you have to be invited. That should help!
- Jades41

Brit-Chick PLEASE LEARN HOW TO SPELL!!!!!! IT'S PATHETIC THAT YOU'RE IN HIGH SCHOOL AND STILL CAN'T SPELL! BUY A DICTIONARY!!!
- Jades41

I understand why anyone would get upset. I mean I made it farther than a lot of people would in just my first year of competitive Springboard Diving than anyone could. I do more things than most people can handle in a month's time in a day. I'm never tired. I don't understand why ANYONE would scrutinize someone with as much characteristics to get them anything that they would ever want. I can do anything I want and that's because I have the resourses I do.

No offense, but Brit-Chick are you on your period, PMSing, or what?

You just hate us because we're better than you will ever be, that's how it is. If you want to prove me wrong, than be my guest. I don't care! But get a DICTIONARY! I don't care if you're from another country, that's nothing against other people, but if you're going to use an AMERICAN site, use AMERICAN spelling! Omigoodness!
- Jades41

her country basically invented English so I wouldn't talk.
- sam425

ennit, my country did invent english, and btw robert, its called slang, ya cock head. u fukin wanker
- brit-chick

Wanker?! Looks who talking you wanna be american!!! Tre-weak!
- Jades41

how am i a wannabe american wanker is an english word u bloody nut case
- brit-chick

Whatever, you're younger than me it's actually pretty petty. So, I'm just going to play along... you're it.
- Jades41

yh coz u know its an english word! silly slapper
- brit-chick

You're still it, I'm still waiting for the part where you actually are better than me... It looks like I'll be waiting a while, huh?
- Jades41

im better than u coz i aint a filthy little slag
- brit-chick

Oh well.. how would you know if I was even sexually active? Have you read the bible lately?! It blatantly says to not engage in sexual intercourse until marriage...
Got it, I follow the BIBLE!!
- Jades41

yh well i dont follow the bible so why the fuk would i wanna read. use ur common sense, dumb arse. i dont thunk aethiests read the bible. stupid sh!t
- brit-chick

They do when they are feeling stupid. But then again, you're probably dumber than I give you credit for. Walked into a parked car lately?
- Jades41

wait a minute ur the one whos dumb for impliying that aethiests read the fukin bible, id only do that if i was christian, sh!t face
- brit-chick

No you wouldn't. I know non-Christians who read the BIBLE... so you can shut up now!
- Jades41

make me shut up u horny bitch
- brit-chick

I'm not horny, you probably are, but I'm not. This is petty and unneeded. I though I left these things back in High School, I guess not..
- Jades41

u are honry thats why ur cranky, u cant resist touching urself can u. admit all teenagers have hormones, use 'em ffs
- brit-chick

Um, no I'm not. I don't touch myself, because that's just gross. Go wash your hands. EW..
- Jades41

just admit it b!tch, wheres ur confidence gone huh?, r u embarassed
- brit-chick

I don't because there's never a need to do that unless you're a guy. I have nothing to be embarrased about. But I bet you do! That right there explains SO much!
- Jades41

r u dumb, women do masturbate, wot da fuk are vibrators for then, stupid tramp
- brit-chick

I am not dumb, I just saying that only people like you do that. People like me... we don't need it because we like to remain pure!

Ok. I'm not a tramp. I just travel because I love to travel. Seeing as how SOME PEOPLE can't, I'd consider myself lucky! DUH!!!!
- Jades41

u aint pure, u dont know how to live life and we aint boring like u! people like me like to have fun, life is too short not to have sex when ever! cock sucker. u are a tramp btw, i really dont give a sh!t if u travel or not, thats not gonna prove that ur the greatest coz u travel
- brit-chick

It just proves that I have more money!!! Money+Pure life+me= BETTER THAN YOU!
- Jades41

i bet i aint even got a lot of money, ur just a poser, who pretends they're some rich preppy kid, btw ur parents probably brought u up to worship money more than god, thats just sad!
- brit-chick

you bet you don't have a lot of money? I bet that too, lol! I am a rich preppy child. My parents don't care about religion, they curse God everyday. I personally, don't agree. BTW, I earned my money on my own thank you! The success is something you will NEVER experience!
- Jades41

U SEE, UR JUST A POSER HUNNY, TAKE A CHILL PILL. UR NOT A RICH PREPPY KID. OK. i dont really care about ur parents either, so dont bring them into the conversation.
- brit-chick

I am a rich preppy kid, because I HAVE money, friends, and Happiness! Things you will never have if you continue to act that way!
- Jades41

look at u posing, u label urself as a preppy, like its a race or something, just so u think that u belong in a group of people who have one thing in common, money
- brit-chick

DUH! Money, friends, and popularity! Again, DUH!!!
- Jades41

and btw, most rich people are unhappy, some high flying buissiness men are sugar daddies coz they get depressed and lonely
- brit-chick

I'm not like that and until you get that through you're fat head, I'll just continue to repeat it!
Face it... I HAVE MONEY AND YOU DON'T!!! GET OVER IT!
- Jades41

oh i get it, u wanna be a celebritiy, thats why ur posing. ok good luck on that one, coz ur gonna need it
- brit-chick

hunny no. u dont have money, u think u have money, posing will not get u any where in life
- brit-chick

I'm not posing, and if you can't accept that then.. you're dense! GET A DICTIONARY!!! LEARN HOW TO SPELL! SOMETHING!
- Jades41

u see now ur just trying to make urself feel better by insulting me! i can use slang if i want, try and stop me
- brit-chick

and by the looks of it if u are bragging about this so called money then u are posing, cant u be urself, just think about it, u call urself a prep just to belong
- brit-chick

I don't have to call myself anything to belong. I have friends unlike you!
- Jades41

THATS A BIT DUMB, HOW THE FUK WOULD U KNOW IF I HAD FRIENDS OR NOT. THIS IS RANDOM SH!T, THATS JUST JOKES, LMFAO
- brit-chick

Whatever! You can think wnat you want about me, but I can't about you? A bit too duplicitous don't you think? Learn how to take criticism, and just be fair. GET A DICTIONARY!!!
- Jades41

i am taking criticism coz im laughing, dont u know what LMFAO means. and, btw, i think i should give u the dictionary now
- brit-chick

thats why u say what ever all the time, coz i know i've proved my point to shut u up
- brit-chick

Or course... You need to learn how to use proper punctuation, because there should have been a question mark and an exclamation point after that. I don't need it thank you!
- Jades41

No, I say whatever and like all the time because it's my niche. I say it, people hear it. That's the way it is!
- Jades41

yh and i call say anything i like, and im gonna defend myself until i win. so ha. u need a dictionary, poser girl who is an incest baby
- brit-chick

that is the WEAKEST come back I have EVER heard! BTW, it's can say anything not call, that's just poor grammar!
- Jades41

yh er b!tch that was an accident, that i didnt delete in a hurry so f-off. who said that was a come back. i didnt, ur a bit nutty in the head
- brit-chick

No I'm not. But if you think I'm nutty, then you should take a look at yourself!
- Jades41

ok..*looks in the mirror*, well i think i have to say i look really sexy, i mean i dont have any bones sticking out
- brit-chick

Just because you think that, doesn't mean others do! Stop being a SLUT!!!
- Jades41

now you're doing it again poppet, you're making yourself feel better by insulting me. look at it. im younger, sexier and more confidant. you're older, skinnier with low self esteem
- brit-chick

Now who's insulting who?
- Jades41

dont waste your time writing anything coz im going to the cinema with my mates. so i wont be back for hours
- brit-chick

you're insulting me poppet
- brit-chick

Uh, reverse that "poppet" you are the insecure one. I am happy with who I am, and if you can't take that... Go sleep with some random hobo in the slums where you live!!!
- Jades41

actually, london isnt a slum, its a very well developed city, with lots of opportunities. poppet u r insecure, u even said u were way skinny, that says it all poppet
- brit-chick

Forgive me God... I am stooping to her level! Compared to where I live, london is a slum... lol. And if it has so many opportunites, then why do you want to come to the U.S...? Just because I'm skinny doesn't mean I'm insecure it means I'm a control freak, I admitted that I am a control freak, so you can take that and run with that.

Oh, and if I don't answer back, it's because I'm out and I have better things to do so, you can use that time to get a life; because obviously you don't have one!
- Jades41

ffs u really r dumb, i wanna go to the US coz the school sysytem in england doesnt have majors and minors etc. we have to choose a career path straight away, i havent decided what i want to do. and if london is a slum then where the fuk do u live bitch. btw i have a better life than u fattie, follow trends that isnt what i call individuality wannabe bitch
- brit-chick

Where do I live?! Coming way too close to stalker don't you think?! But I'll just say I live in Raleigh, NC right now, but I'm moving to New Haven, CT in a few weeks.

I'm not fat, if I'm skinnier than you!

It seems to me you need to spend more times in your schoolwork than on the forum. You're starting to get dumb!
- Jades41