Meaning and Origin
“Gig ’em” is a rallying cry and a sign of approval for Aggies, the nickname for Texas A&M University (TAMU) students and alumni. It is often accompanied by a thumbs-up gesture.
Key Facts
- Meaning: “Gig ’em” is a rallying cry and a sign of approval for Aggies, the nickname for TAMU students and alumni. It is often accompanied by a thumbs-up gesture.
- Origin: The phrase “Gig ’em Aggies!” was first used in 1930 by P.L. “Pinkie” Downs, a TAMU alumnus and member of the Board of Regents. He used it during a yell practice before a football game against the Texas Christian University (TCU) Horned Frogs. It was a rhetorical question asking what they would do to the Horned Frogs, and he answered it with “Gig ’em Aggies!”.
- Frog Hunting Reference: The term “gig” refers to a sharp-pronged tool used for hunting frogs. Downs used this term to symbolize defeating the TCU Horned Frogs in the upcoming game.
The phrase “Gig ’em Aggies!” was first used in 1930 by P.L. “Pinkie” Downs, a TAMU alumnus and member of the Board of Regents (Texas A&M University, 2022). During a yell practice before a football game against the Texas Christian University (TCU) Horned Frogs, Downs asked the crowd, “What are we going to do with those Horned Frogs?” He answered his own question with “Gig ’em Aggies!” (Fansided, 2021).
Frog Hunting Reference
The term “gig” refers to a sharp-pronged tool used for hunting frogs (Texas A&M University, 2022). Downs used this term to symbolize defeating the TCU Horned Frogs in the upcoming game.
Use and Significance
Today, “Gig ’em” is a symbol of Aggie pride and camaraderie. It is used to express enthusiasm, support, and approval. The thumbs-up gesture adds emphasis and further signifies the positive sentiment behind the phrase.
Aggies use “Gig ’em” in various contexts, including:
- At sporting events to cheer on the TAMU teams
- During yell practices and other campus traditions
- As a greeting or expression of encouragement
- On social media and other platforms to connect with fellow Aggies
The phrase has become synonymous with TAMU and its unique culture. It represents the Aggie Spirit of determination, optimism, and loyalty.
Sources
- Texas A&M University. (2022). Aggie Terminology. https://www.tamu.edu/campus-community/traditions/aggie-culture/aggie-terminology.html
- Fansided. (2021). Texas A&M football: What does Gig Em mean, explained. https://fansided.com/2021/10/09/texas-am-football-gig-em-explained/
- International Business Association. (n.d.). Culture & Traditions. http://www.tamuiba.com/traditions-at-am
FAQs
What is the meaning of “Gig ‘Em”?
“Gig ‘Em” is a rallying cry and a sign of approval for Aggies, the nickname for Texas A&M University students and alumni.
Where did the phrase “Gig ‘Em” originate?
The phrase was first used in 1930 by P.L. “Pinkie” Downs, a TAMU alumnus and member of the Board of Regents, during a yell practice before a football game against the TCU Horned Frogs.
What is the significance of the thumbs-up gesture that often accompanies “Gig ‘Em”?
The thumbs-up gesture adds emphasis and further signifies the positive sentiment behind the phrase. It is a symbol of Aggie pride and camaraderie.
When and where is “Gig ‘Em” typically used?
Aggies use “Gig ‘Em” in various contexts, including at sporting events, during yell practices and other campus traditions, as a greeting or expression of encouragement, and on social media and other platforms to connect with fellow Aggies.
What does the term “gig” refer to in the phrase “Gig ‘Em”?
The term “gig” refers to a sharp-pronged tool used for hunting frogs. Downs used this term to symbolize defeating the TCU Horned Frogs in the upcoming game.
Is “Gig ‘Em” only used by TAMU students and alumni?
While “Gig ‘Em” is primarily associated with TAMU, it has become more widely recognized and used by non-Aggies as well, especially in the context of college football.
What is the significance of “Gig ‘Em” to TAMU culture?
“Gig ‘Em” is a symbol of Aggie pride, camaraderie, and the Aggie Spirit of determination, optimism, and loyalty.
How is “Gig ‘Em” pronounced?
“Gig ‘Em” is pronounced with a hard “g” sound, as in “giggle.” The emphasis is on the first syllable, so it sounds like “GIG-’em.”