Phi Gamma Delta - Practices and Customs - Use of Greek Letters and Etymology of "Fiji"

Use of Greek Letters and Etymology of "Fiji"

Phi Gamma Delta limits the written display of its Greek letters. In accordance with the fraternity's international bylaws, Fiji chapters and members only inscribe their letters in the following seven locations:

1. On a uniform diamond-shaped member badge
2. On the Fraternity's official seal
3. On the Fraternity's official flag
4. On a chapter house marker
5. On memorials to deceased brothers
6. On a brother's certificate of membership
7. On a brother's official college ring

The fraternity's letters are considered sacred and are never to be displayed on an object that can be easily destroyed. Whereas other fraternities often display their letters on clothing or other items, this tradition prevents Fijis from doing so. In place of the actual Greek letters, "Fiji," "Phi Gam," or the English spelling of "Phi Gamma Delta" are used in their place.

The Fiji nickname started at New York University and was officially adopted by the national fraternity in 1894 in the belief that the term would be distinctive and appeal to the imagination. Prior to its formal appropriation by the organization at large, nicknames for members of the fraternity varied greatly; ranging from "Phi Gamm" and "Delta" by brothers across the nation, "Fee Gee" in New York, and "Gammas" in the South. As of now though, "Fiji" and "Phi Gam" are considered the only appropriate nicknames for Phi Gamma Delta members on the international scale, though local nicknames related to a chapter's Greek name or other colloquialisms do exist.