Koofer

The word Koofer or Coofer; almost unknown on other campuses, became a part of Virginia Tech language sometime in the early 1940s.fact|date=August 2008

It refers to an old test or problem that has been saved or found and is consulted later by a student who has not yet taken the test or worked the problem. [cite web|url=http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=koofer|title=Koofer|publisher=Urban dictionary] [cite news|url=http://www.collegiatetimes.com/news/1/ARTICLE/5398/2005-04-19.html|title=Koofers and the Virginia Tech Honor System|date=April 19th, 2005|publisher=Collegiate Times|accessdate=2008-08-15] The term was coined by students at Virginia Tech's now defunct Extension branch at Bluefield College who later transferred to Blacksburg, Virginia, bringing the word with them.cite news|url=http://www.alumni.vt.edu/alumninews/2008-spring/Spring_2008.pdf|title=Tech Traditions, Tech Triumph|work=Alma Mater|publisher=Virginia Tech Alumni Association|pages=6]

The word had its origin in "coffer," a legitimate synonym for a strongbox. Some students at Bluefield had access to a coffer there that contained files of old tests and problems, and they soon came to refer to the materials themselves as "coffers." In time, the sound of the word was softened to "coofer," and still later the spelling was changed to "koofer."

References

External links

* [http://www.americandialect.org/americandialectarchives/mar96.txt Listserv discussion including the word 'koofer'] (search the page for "Puckett" to find the appropriate entry)