The Cavalier Daily
Serving the University Community Since 1890

From the archives: Feb. 26 – Mar. 3

This week: Student slang, leap year celebrations and computer glitches

1950s

March 1, 1957

“Aid for WTJU”

Editorial by Thomas M. Martin

WTJU radio station was established in 1955, but its opening of operations was delayed due to financial problems. The station was sponsored by the Speech Department and was in competition with the student-run radio station WUVA. WTJU is still operating today with its sister-station WXTJ.

1960s

March 1, 1962

“Faculty Member Recalls Jargon Of Past Years At The University”

By John B. Morton

Alumnus L.G. Hoxton of the University comments on phrases and slang that were common in his day that have changed over time. He explains the old slang “cork,” which was used as a verb or noun to describe a mistake or the action of failing. He then explains the term “curl,” which was used as the opposite, meaning the action of succeeding or excelling.

1970s

February 27, 1975

“The Encroachment of Philistinism” 

By Dusty Melton

The author of this article was upset over the lack of emphasis on the arts on Grounds. They argue that the lack of artistic emphasis on Grounds is not because there is a lack of artistic students, but because artists and audiences are not prioritizing the arts as an integral part of campus life. They end by stating, “Truly the Old U is dead, along with one of its finest aspects.”

1980s

February 29, 1988

“Take a leap!”

By Tony Yoo

Did you know of the legend that originated centuries ago where women would propose on leap day? Maybe consider popping the question to your loved one this leap day, as this article encouraged in 1988. The history of this legend is a bit murky, perhaps originating with St. Bridget and St. Patrick or to 1288 with Queen Margaret. Men beware though – if you reject a leap day proposal, you’ll be subject to a 100 pound fine!

1990s

February 26, 1997

“ITC meets to fix year 2000 computer glitch”

By Kathryn Lane

In the late 1990s, leading up to the year 2000, computers were already glitching when computing the year. When computing with only the last two digits of each year, for example 1997 would be 97, the computer would assume that the first two digits would be 19. So, when 2000 was being computed, the computer would not be able to differentiate between 1900 and 2000. ITC met in order to attempt to fix this issue. 

2000s

March 1, 2005

“Report shows more females than males in higher education”

By Calisha Myers

This article writes on the upward trend of women pursuing college degrees than men. This trend was true nationwide in 2005, and is still true almost twenty years later. A graphic showing the gender breakdown in each school at the University shows that the only two schools with higher male populations are Commerce and Engineering. 

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