A Collection of College Words and Customs

"A Collection of College Words and Customs" by Benjamin Homer Hall is a unique compilation of scholarly terminology and traditions from American colleges written in the mid-19th century. The book delves into various phrases, customs, and practices that characterize student life in prestigious universities, serving as both a linguistic reference and a cultural snapshot of academic environments during that period. The opening of the work introduces readers to the purpose and background of the collection, explaining its origins during the author's senior year in college. Anonymously published in its initial iteration, Hall reflects on the compilation process and the subsequent revisions made for this edition. He also emphasizes the inclusion of various words and customs—some specifically tied to college life, while others relate more to general student culture—created in an effort to entertain and inform current and future alumni, ultimately capturing the essence of student life and academic vernacular.