Colleges and Universities Love Their Nicknames — With One Glaring Omission

New Book Asks: Where Are the Fighting Giraffes?

Lake Jackson, Texas — Why do U.S. colleges and universities field teams with nicknames like Banana Slugs, Billikens, Kangaroos, Ephs, and Fighting Artichokes — yet not one school has adopted the moniker Fighting Giraffes?

That question drives Where Are the Fighting Giraffes? College Nickname Edition, a new book by author David Winder — just in time for the Christmas holiday shopping season. Available now on Amazon, this one-of-a-kind collection explores the wit, weirdness, and wild creativity behind more than 600 collegiate nicknames across America.

“Giraffes for College is certain to be the best present under the Christmas tree this or any year,” Winder promises. “It’s equal parts history, trivia, and comedy — with plenty of surprises along the way.”

Laugh While You Learn

While educational, Where Are the Fighting Giraffes? offers readers a fresh look at how schools define themselves through names that range from majestic to downright bizarre.

It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys stirring up conversation at tailgates,
dinner parties, or breaking an uncomfortable silence on awkward
elevator rides:

“The cuteness of your baby reminds me of the Enterprise State Boll Weevils.”

“While we’re riding this elevator, does anyone want to talk about the Akron Zips?”

“College nicknames are full of tradition, and half remembered history that evolves into mythmaking,” said Winder. “But they also reflect our country’s strange and funny side — and the curious absence of the Fighting Giraffes, a name no one’s been brave enough to claim… yet.”

They Named Them What?

Among the many eyebrow-raising collegiate mascots featured are:

• Pikes Peak Aardvarks
• California–Irvine Anteaters
• Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
• Mary Baldwin Fighting Squirrels
• Evergreen State Geoducks
• Pittsburg State Gorillas
• Stetson Hatters
• Washburn Ichabods
• Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels
• Quinsigamond Wyverns

The Sequel Nobody Knew They Needed

This release follows Winder’s earlier book, Where Are the Fighting Giraffes? A Guide to the Ordinary, Odd, and Outrageous Nicknames of U.S. High Schools. That first volume revealed that even among thousands of high school mascots, not one claimed the noble giraffe.

“Giraffes would make terrific mascots,” Winder argues. “They’re fast, fierce, and graceful — plus they can deliver a knockout with a neck swing or a single kick. With all the kangaroos, cobras, and polar bears out there, a Fighting Giraffe would fit right in.”

When asked what would happen to his books if a school ever did claim the name Fighting Giraffes Winder responded, “I plan to take credit for the name and change the name of the book(s) to ‘hey look, I found the fighting giraffes.”

Availability

Where Are the Fighting Giraffes? College Nickname Edition: A Guide to the Ordinary, Odd, and Outrageous is available now in print and eBook formats on Amazon and other major retailers. The companion High School Edition is also available online.

About the Author

David Winder is a former sportswriter who believes the world could use a few more creative nicknames — for schools, teams, and maybe even people. He is available for interviews, podcasts, and media appearances upon request.