Can someone please explain to me? Re: OSU

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In reading the college sports poll below, I was reminded of something that's always bothered me ...

Can someone please explain why it is referred to as "THE Ohio State University"?  I live in Ohio, so I know there isn't another "Ohio State University" and that "Ohio University" is clearly a different thing.  And I'm not asking to be snarky just because I went to Michigan, I just have always been curious (although the fact that we don't call it "THE University of Michigan" to distinguish Michigan State doesn't help!)  

mrsbobcat

I've had three friends go to OSU and they could never tell me THE reason. I'd really like to know.

TheLinkBride

Some universities actually have this written into their name, I'm not sure why but if you look at a diploma from these schools they do have The in front of the name as you normally think of it.

Sunidaze

Well...it actually is The Ohio State University.  Simple as that.

RockThisB!tch

Ditto BrandySun...  lol.

Really, it's because it was originally founded as an agriculturally-focused college but was then changed to a full university...  so, then, they changed it to "THE" Ohio State University.  It's been that name for over 100 years, now, so I guess it caught on pretty well.     I've heard this question asked and answered a lot (I work at a university).

bluedaisyus

it's actually the legal name. it was renamed in 1878 (i think? or 1876, i can't remember for sure) and the official name was "The Ohio State University" in the state legislation when the renaming happened. it's also referred to as just Ohio State, or, of course, OSU--although that could also be Oregon State University or Oklahoma State University.

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Thanks.  I can understand the legal name thing. 

I guess the part that confuses me is in the post below that I referenced, a few people said their favorite college (or whatever the question was) was "THE Ohio State University."  I guess what bugs me is the focus (i.e. all caps) on the word "the," like that's the most important word.  That's the part I can't understand.

Sunidaze

Kelly*Chris:

Thanks.  I can understand the legal name thing. 

I guess the part that confuses me is in the post below that I referenced, a few people said their favorite college (or whatever the question was) was "THE Ohio State University."  I guess what bugs me is the focus (i.e. all caps) on the word "the," like that's the most important word.  That's the part I can't understand.

I'm sorry...that would be my attitude coming through...I live in an area (NW Ohio, that's basically 50% divided with allegiances to OSU and UM and right now, us OSU fans seem to be a bit cocky about beating Michigan for the last several years now.

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BrandySun:

Kelly*Chris:

Thanks.  I can understand the legal name thing. 

I guess the part that confuses me is in the post below that I referenced, a few people said their favorite college (or whatever the question was) was "THE Ohio State University."  I guess what bugs me is the focus (i.e. all caps) on the word "the," like that's the most important word.  That's the part I can't understand.

I'm sorry...that would be my attitude coming through...I live in an area (NW Ohio, that's basically 50% divided with allegiances to OSU and UM and right now, us OSU fans seem to be a bit cocky about beating Michigan for the last several years now.

Gotcha.  And no need to apologize, I can admit that you guys have earned it!

KermitClin06

I used to work with a bunch of OSU grads that emphasized "the" like that as a joke as well.

Molly Jean

As a Big Ten girl, I will fully admit that I will FOREVER make fun of people who are OSU fans/alumni/etc and call it "THE Ohio State University".

And so does the rest of America.  Unless you're a buckeye

 

RasberryBrainstorm

Molly Jean:

As a Big Ten girl, I will fully admit that I will FOREVER make fun of people who are OSU fans/alumni/etc and call it "THE Ohio State University".

And so does the rest of America.  Unless you're a buckeye

 

LOL, this. I did not know it was legally named with "The" at the beginning, so it makes a bit more sense.  However, when you hear people emphasize it like that, it sounds really arrogant and a bit ridiculous.  Sorry!

And I'm not hating on OSU fans or anything.  Although some of your fans did throw hot coffee and beer on me once, when I was there with the BAND (I graduated from MSU).  Really.