There is one more word to add to the ever-growing list of derogatory words in the English language – “dorm.”

While the word may not offend anyone beyond the point of slight annoyance, the word is frequently being corrected to “residence hall.”

“A ‘dorm’ is simply where people live and sleep,” said Virginia Arthur, associate director of the department of residence. “A residence hall is a place where we are helping students study, building a community. It is a much richer word.”

Thus, it is the people who work in the residence halls offering the guidance and building the communities that may be more put off by the word.

Pat Downes, graduate student in educational leadership and policy studies, said “dormitory” has a connotation that says, “we don’t care about you.”

“When I think of a dorm, I think of a facility where you just throw people in,” Downes said. “The word does not convey what we do or offer in the residence halls.”

He said misconceptions about dormitories contribute to their negative reputation, and are among many misconceptions about college life in general.

He does admit, however, that students often use the word “dormitory” among themselves and could very well mean nothing negative by it.

“The important part for me is that when students think of residence halls, they think of neighbors, support and leadership opportunities. If that’s what they think when they say dorms, it’s not such a bad thing,” Downes said.

Most students are completely oblivious to the fact that “residence hall” is preferred over “dorm.”

“I thought they were still called dorms,” said Joe Lambert, freshman in pre-business. “People still consider dorms a community, but if it upset somebody, I’d call it a residence hall.”

Some students feel a change in wording is appropriate.

Alicia Morse, junior in English, said that although the word “dorm” wasn’t offensive, per se, changing it may not be such a bad idea.

“Changing a word can change the way people view it,” she said.

Morse said different words may well have the identical meanings, but express different feelings.

Other students don’t find the word change necessary.

“I don’t think of a dorm as a crappy place to live,” said Andrew Olney, sophomore in engineering.

Stephanie Clark, freshman in psychology, said a word change won’t affect the quality of the residence halls – the factor she said is the only reason the word ever conveyed a negative connotation.

“You’re living in a single room with people you don’t know and share a bathroom with. There are bigger things to worry about than what you call a dorm,” Clark said.