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This really isn't a compliment. Translated, this phrase doesn't mean "we are THE university in the U.S.", it means "of all the universities in Ohio, we are the most significant one."

Wouldn't a school with their tradition want to be known as something more than the best team in Ohio?
I mean, being better than Cincy and Youngstown State is nice, but not exactly impressive.

2007-12-05 08:10:44 · 26 answers · asked by h_charles 5 in Sports Football (American)

26 answers

I believe it was to distinguish Ohio State University (in Columbus) from Ohio University (in Athens).

I've heard it explained that way several times. Plus, there is a bit of ego behind it too.

2007-12-05 08:51:34 · answer #1 · answered by mr_cj_jr 6 · 1 2

OSU could also mean Oregon State and Oklahoma State University so in the 80s they wanted to change the logo to go back to the "the Ohio state university"

However, the "The" was actually part of the state legislation when the university was renamed in 1878. The following excerpt is from the Board of Trustee minutes:

"...the educational institution heretofore known as the 'Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College,' shall be known and designated hereafter as 'The Ohio State University.'"

Those who wanted the name change thought the original name was too narrow in scope, and that it was inadequate for the institution that was the only beneficiary of the land grant act. President Edward Orton was insistent that a new name would separate the institution from other colleges in Ohio.

Legend also has it that "The" was used to show the other colleges which institution was supposed to be the leader in the state - both in size and in financial support from the legislature

2015-08-31 05:56:04 · answer #2 · answered by Lisa 1 · 0 0

Directly from Ohio State's website:


Why are we called "THE" Ohio State University"?

In 1986, a new University logo was introduced in the hopes of moving away from the "OSU" symbol, which had been used since 1977. The change from simply "OSU" was said to "reflect the national stature of the institution." University officials wanted the institution to be known as "The Ohio State University," again, since OSU could also mean Oregon State and Oklahoma State University.

However, the "The" was actually part of the state legislation when the university was renamed in 1878. The following excerpt is from the Board of Trustee minutes:

"...the educational institution heretofore known as the 'Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College,' shall be known and designated hereafter as 'The Ohio State University.'"

Those who wanted the name change thought the original name was too narrow in scope, and that it was inadequate for the institution that was the only beneficiary of the land grant act. President Edward Orton was insistent that a new name would separate the institution from other colleges in Ohio.

Legend also has it that "The" was used to show the other colleges which institution was supposed to be the leader in the state - both in size and in financial support from the legislature.

2013-10-29 08:47:54 · answer #3 · answered by ? 1 · 6 0

This is info I got from a Ohio State Alumnus from the 50's who has a hall at the university named after him. So since he lived through it, I sort of believe he has the knowledge. Many years ago Ohio University (in Athens) were hosting a track event. In their promotion they advertised themselves as Ohio "State" University since they are in fact a state university. This caused a ruckus so legalities were adopted to distinguish the two universities and so "The" Ohio State University naming came into being and is the official legal name of the university. It has nothing to do with them thinking they are better than anyone else.

2015-05-07 14:34:48 · answer #4 · answered by Micheal 1 · 0 0

My grandma, served as President of the OSU student senate her senior year in 1956. Then Vice President Bland Stradley called some of the faculty and student leaders into his office one day and stated definitively, "The new name of the university is The Ohio State University." And so it has been ever since.

2015-08-03 15:37:07 · answer #5 · answered by AD Glaze 1 · 0 1

I find it odd, ppl don't call them OSU, ppl call them Ohio State. We don't say THE Univ of Alabama because we could be confused with any other U of A... And all the other Ohio schools aren't Ohio "State"...

2016-09-17 14:26:42 · answer #6 · answered by anatharp 1 · 0 1

Again, look at the history of the saying. It was started in the mid-90's by some OSU alumni playing in the NFL. (Chris Carter, Eddie George, Robert Smith were in on it) When asked for the standard "name" and "school", OSU players emphasized the "THE" in saying Ohio State. It was just something funny between alumni, because they would get flak from the use of the "OSU" letters from Oklahoma State people and Oregon State people. They weren't saying they were the best school in Ohio, they were saying they were the best school using the OSU letters. But since there was conflict about it, emphasizing they were "THE" best came about. And it caught on. Now we have the "U" and people saying their high school or hometown. It was just something fun between a few and now it has spiraled out of control.

2007-12-05 10:29:47 · answer #7 · answered by mrkeef 5 · 4 1

So who else will the rest of the nation confuse you with if it was Ohio State University?

The other OSU? Oklahoma State or Oregon State?

Is there another Ohio State University in Ohio?

Hey I saw a buckeye once at the state fair, it amazed me that he could make his eyes pop out of his head like that!

2007-12-05 08:14:47 · answer #8 · answered by ZQNUPE5 1 · 3 3

The "THE" has nothing to do with Ohio States success or anything. It's just a freak'n word! Ohio State is the biggest college in Ohio, they have campuses all over the state! Plus there are many colleges around that have "THE" in front of their name. Most people in Ohio just say Ohio State of OSU.

2007-12-05 08:43:16 · answer #9 · answered by poopykins81 3 · 4 5

I heard once that it stood for Theology Horticulture Education, reflecting the schools roots in agriculture, but have yet to find any supporting articles. Some of the other answers sound more plausible.

2015-06-11 11:10:44 · answer #10 · answered by Bob 1 · 0 0

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