Trends on Campus "Bro-tanks" wage war on sleeves

Picture a "bro" in your head. You could be imagining any number of different people, including an upper middle-class male in a fraternity. Someone in a cut-off T-shirt and a flat-billed hat. A beer-loving, collar-popping guy with a penchant for Sperry top-siders and hanging out with other men.

Although it may be hard to pinpoint exactly what a "bro" is, there is no doubt that the "bro" phenomenon has invaded college campuses and our vocabularies. "Bro" has become a form of greeting for close male friends, as have "broseph" and "broski." Two men involved in a quasi-intimate, non-homoerotic relationship are having a "bromance." There are even funny amalgamations of words such as "baked brotato" (for a manly carb-packed meal) and "brofessor" (for a teacher who is extra chill and "brohemian").

"Bros" have been around for decades. They existed even before the landmark movie Animal House and continue to show up in pop culture, from MTV series like "Jackass" and "Bromance" to movies like The Hangover. In fact, "bros" now even have their own website, www.brobible.com, where they can catch up on sports and hot girls and post to the "brommunity". Even if you believe that "bro" culture is not prevalent at Rice University and that everyone who labels themselves as such are actually "faux bros," it is still handy to know what constitutes a "bro" for your next theme party. Start with a pair of Sperry's or flip-flops, and add cargo shorts or jeans. If it is hot outside, wear your favorite sports team T-shirt with the sleeves cut off. If it is chilly, layer another cut-off shirt on top, in a contrasting color.